The Dark Side of Disasters: Looting and Criminal Exploitation During Storms
Looting—taking advantage of the chaos and disarray—has unfortunately become a frequent occurrence during times of disaster.
In the wake of natural disasters, communities often rally together to rebuild and recover. However, alongside the efforts to restore order, there is a darker undercurrent that emerges. Looting—taking advantage of the chaos and disarray—has unfortunately become a frequent occurrence during times of disaster. When Hurricane Helene recently tore through Tennessee, leaving behind a path of destruction, a group of migrant workers allegedly took advantage of the situation. Eight men were arrested for looting properties in a flooded region, underscoring a problem that has been observed time and again in disaster-stricken areas. This exploitation of disaster victims has occurred in various forms throughout history, and studying past events reveals a recurring pattern of criminal behavior.
Looting: A Recurrent Problem in Disaster Zones
Looting during times of crisis is not a new phenomenon. One of the most infamous examples occurred in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, which devastated the U.S. Virgin Islands, including St. Croix. This storm resulting in severe looting in which nearly every consumer good in sight had been taken, and thieves didn’t stop at merchandise—they stripped electrical fixtures, wall coverings, and even carpets. In St. Croix’s largest mall, home to about 150 shops, more than 90% of businesses were completely looted.
This phenomenon is not unique to any single disaster. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, looting became rampant in New Orleans. The extensive flooding, breakdown in law enforcement communication, and mass evacuations created the perfect environment for lawlessness to take hold. Looters targeted electronics stores, supermarkets, and even hospitals. Beyond the moral outrage, the chaos created additional strain on law enforcement, who were already struggling to manage rescue operations and maintain order amid unprecedented destruction.
With Helene, a Tennessee District Attorney in Jonesborough, Steven R. Finney, issued a statement Monday promising to prosecute looters and others engaged in criminal activity in the aftermath of severe flooding in region to “the fullest extent” allowed under the law. “I am deeply troubled to learn of looting activity which has reportedly occurred,” he said. “I want to assure the people of the First Judicial District that my office will aggressively prosecute any person charged with looting, theft, or any other crime related to this disaster to the fullest extent possible.”
Understanding the Dynamics of Looting
To comprehend why looting occurs during disasters, it’s essential to understand the stages that typically unfold. These stages reveal the organized, opportunistic, and sometimes desperate actions that take place in the absence of order:
Initial Impact and Organized Gangs: The first phase of looting often begins with organized groups who seize the opportunity presented by the chaos of a disaster. These gangs are well-coordinated and seek high-value consumer goods, such as electronics, clothing, and luxury items. In many cases, these groups act with the knowledge that law enforcement is overstretched, occupied with life-saving operations and overwhelmed by the sheer scale of destruction.
Non-Organized Participants: Once the initial looting has occurred, a second group, often made up of people who do not typically engage in criminal activity, may start looting less lucrative stores, such as hardware or convenience stores. This group is driven by the perception that if others are looting without consequence, they can also take part without fear of repercussions.
Basic Necessities and Desperation: As the disaster continues, a third phase of looting occurs. This group is generally driven by necessity—targeting supermarkets, pharmacies, and other stores where food, water, and medical supplies can be found. While some may argue that this phase is driven by survival instincts, it still contributes to the overall breakdown of social order.
Post-Disaster Exploitation: The final stage occurs when looting shifts to recovery materials—such as construction equipment and supplies. As areas begin to rebuild, unsecured locations where materials are delivered become prime targets for thieves looking to take advantage of the chaos.
These stages show that looting is not merely opportunistic but follows a predictable pattern, beginning with organized crime and spreading to those who might not typically engage in illegal activities. However, even those in survival mode often face legal and moral dilemmas, complicating how societies should respond to such actions.
Historical Case Studies of Looting in Disasters
The patterns seen in St. Croix, Tennessee, and New Orleans have been replicated in numerous other disaster scenarios. For example, in the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, looting became widespread across the city. Businesses in South Central Los Angeles were ransacked, leading to an estimated $1 billion in damages. Similar to natural disasters, the breakdown in social order during the riots created a vacuum for criminals and opportunists alike. In 2020 riots resulting in looting in Minnesota, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, and New York to just name a few.
Another notable case occurred after the earthquake in Haiti in 2010. The devastation was unprecedented, and law enforcement was quickly overwhelmed. As international aid poured into the country, looters targeted supply depots, warehouses, and even humanitarian convoys carrying essential resources for survivors. With a crippled infrastructure, controlling looting and restoring order proved to be nearly impossible for both local authorities and international peacekeepers.
Prevention Strategies: Combatting Looting During Disasters
Given the predictable nature of looting in the aftermath of disasters, there are several prevention strategies that law enforcement and disaster response planners can implement to mitigate the risk of looting and maintain order:
Pre-Disaster Planning and Surveillance: Anticipating looting should be a crucial part of any disaster preparedness plan. Law enforcement can use pre-disaster planning to identify high-risk areas, such as business districts and areas where essential supplies are stored, and place extra security measures in those locations. This could involve the use of surveillance cameras, drones, or increased foot patrols.
Curfews and Military Assistance: In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, imposing curfews can help reduce opportunities for looting by limiting movement during nighttime hours when criminal activity tends to increase. In extreme cases, such as after Hurricane Katrina, the National Guard can be deployed to assist local law enforcement in maintaining order.
Public Messaging and Community Involvement: Public messaging campaigns that emphasize the importance of community solidarity and discourage looting can help prevent people from joining in the chaos. Involving local leaders, faith-based organizations, and other influential community members in these efforts can create a sense of shared responsibility for the protection of businesses and homes.
Immediate Restoration of Basic Needs: One of the primary drivers of looting is the inability of disaster victims to meet their basic needs. By quickly restoring access to food, water, and shelter, officials can reduce the temptation to loot. This involves efficient coordination between government agencies, non-profits, and private sector companies to deliver aid swiftly and securely.
Focusing Law Enforcement Resources on Property Protection: Once search-and-rescue operations are sufficiently staffed by other first responders, law enforcement should focus their efforts on preventing theft and maintaining order. This includes patrolling vulnerable areas and securing supply depots, where construction materials and equipment may be stored for recovery efforts.
Secure Supply Chains: During the recovery phase, construction supplies and equipment often become targets for thieves. Law enforcement should work with contractors and suppliers to ensure that materials are stored in secure locations, preferably with heightened security measures, such as guards or security fencing, to deter potential looters.
Arrests and Prosecution: There needs to be swift and actionable focused deterrence associated with these crimes and prosecutions should provide the full force of the law in order to hold those accountable for these crimes.
Conclusion: The Need for a Holistic Approach
Looting is a predictable and unfortunate consequence of disaster scenarios, but it can be mitigated with proper planning, resource allocation, and community involvement. Law enforcement must play a central role in preventing criminal activity during and after a disaster, but they cannot do it alone. Governments, businesses, and communities must work together to ensure that people's basic needs are met as quickly as possible and that recovery efforts are not hindered by antisocial behavior.
Disaster response planners must also acknowledge that looting and criminal behavior are as much a part of the recovery process as restoring power and clearing debris. By anticipating these challenges and designing effective responses, society can prevent the opportunistic exploitation of vulnerable communities in their time of greatest need.
Finally, prayers for a quick recovery to all our neighbors in the great American Southeast.