Police officers have made “numerous” crime” target=”_blank”>arrests< as the city continues relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ida, officials said Monday.
Police Chief Shaun Ferguson spoke briefly about reports of looting during a public safety update alongside city leaders and officials during a news conference.
“We continue to make numerous looting arrests throughout the weekend and will continue to do so,” he said, without disclosing how many arrests have been made.
The police department is working with the military and other agencies to deter and respond to reports of looting as parts of the city are still without power and essential services.
The Karofsky shop suffers severe damage after Hurricane Ida pummeled New Orleans with strong winds in Louisiana. Authorities on Monday said "numerous" arrests were made over the weekend for looting.
(REUTERS/Devika Krishna Kumar)
He also noted that residents and business owners have reported burglaries as they return to their homes and businesses. In the event the city’s 8 p.m. curfew is lifted prior to power not being fully restored, authorities will “put in place a deployment” of law enforcement and Guard soldiers to address and deter any looting in those communities, the chief said.
Last week, Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman told WWL-TV that 40 people had been arrested for looting in the city. Officials have pushed back that there has been widespread looting.
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“There is no widespread looting. There is widespread empathy and community cooperation,” New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell told reporters last week.
Hurricane Ida has claimed at least 66 lives, destroyed homes and flooded many neighborhoods in its wake.
