- The Jacksonville sheriff’s office shared a photo of two men who were apprehended for attempting to steal a power pole
- The alleged theives were pictured shirtless on the curb next to the SUV with the pole strapped on top
- It is not clear what they intended to use the pole for or how they planned to sell it
- Several Florida police departments have used social media to discourage people from looting post Irma
Two looters were stopped by Jacksonville police while attempting to steal a power pole in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
The highly conspicuous thieves were caught red-handed with the pole on top of their SUV.
The Jacksonville sheriff’s office posted a photo of the shirtless culprits sitting on the curb.
Florida men attempted to loot a power pole in the wake of Hurricane Irma. They appeared to tie shirts on the back as a safety precaution to warn drivers
It wrote on Facebook: ‘These two were caught stealing a JEA pole just this morning! Citizens watching out and officers cleaning up = partnership! #HurricaneIrma’
The looters also attached a flag, made of what appears to be t-shirts, to the back of the pole for safety. It is not clear what they intended to use to pole for.
Twitter users noted they would have struggled to sell it for recycling considering it is obviously a stolen power pole.
As of Wednesday, 3.2 million people were still without power in the Sunshine State.
After Irma hit, more than 32 people have been arrested for looting in Florida.
Several Floridian police departments have turned to Twitter shaming as a tactic to discourage looters.
Police departments in Florida are using social media to discourage people from looting
In Miami, 14 businesses were looted in the Little River district when thieves used a sledgehammer to raid shops
After Irma hit, more than 32 people have been arrested for looting in Florida
On Sunday, Fort Lauderdale PD announced on Twitter that it had arrested nine people who were caught on camera looting a pawn shop and nearby clothing store.
That announcement was accompanied by a dryly funny message from Chief Rick Maglione, who said: ‘Going to prison over a pair of sneakers is a fairly bad life choice. Stay home and look after your loved ones and be thankful they are all safe.’
Miami PD joined in the fun, posting a picture of 10 men in a jail cell with the caption, ‘Thinking about looting? Ask these guys how that turned out. #stayathome’
In Miami, at least 14 businesses were looted when thieves armed with a sledgehammer rampaged on Sunday.