Police vow to punish looters to fullest extent of the law

As Houston struggles with the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, lawmakers in Texas are vowing to be extra tough on anyone caught looting after authorities reported some minor thefts and armed robberies had taken place. 

During a press conference on Tuesday, Houston police chief Art Acevedo put criminals on notice and said he would seek that they be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

‘We’re going to urge juries and judges to give you the most, the toughest sentence that you can possibly get,’ Acevedo said.

‘We’re going to push hard so that you don’t see the sunlight anytime soon.’

 

As Houston struggles with the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, lawmakers in Texas are vowing to be extra tough on anyone caught looting after authorities reported some minor thefts and armed robberies had taken place. Above an aerial view of the Addicks reservoir on Tuesday

During a press conference on Tuesday, Houston police chief Art Acevedo put criminals on notice and said he would seek that they be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law

During a press conference on Tuesday, Houston police chief Art Acevedo put criminals on notice and said he would seek that they be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez also warned people bent on trying to take advantage of those who are victims in the horrific storm to think twice in the tweet above

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez also warned people bent on trying to take advantage of those who are victims in the horrific storm to think twice in the tweet above

He added, ‘This is the state of Texas, and we’re a welcoming city, but we’re not going to tolerate people victimizing, especially committing armed robberies in our city.’

Acevedo revealed that authorities had already arrested three looters on Monday night at a Game Stop video game store. 

He also said some armed robbers who were accosting residents were apprehended as well.  

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez also warned people bent on trying to take advantage of those who are victims in the horrific storm to think twice.

In neighboring Montgomery County, the District Attorney's Offices said in a Facebook post that it would have zero tolerance for anyone who is charged with looting or similar crimes committed during the tragic situation

In neighboring Montgomery County, the District Attorney’s Offices said in a Facebook post that it would have zero tolerance for anyone who is charged with looting or similar crimes committed during the tragic situation

‘To the crooks out there, be warned,’ Gonzalez said in a tweet. ‘No looting & burglaries. We will not have it. My jail is open and you will be arrested and charged,’ he wrote.

In neighboring Montgomery County, the District Attorney’s Offices said in a Facebook post that it would have zero tolerance for anyone who is charged with looting or similar crimes committed during the tragic situation.

‘Leniency and probation will be off the table for these offenses committed during this time,’ Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon wrote in the Facebook post.

Crimes committed during natural disasters allows the punishment to be enhanced, according to his office.  

Houston store owner Samir Ebrahim took to Facebook on Sunday to share that his business was looted. He uploaded surveillance video (above) of the crime happening

Houston store owner Samir Ebrahim took to Facebook on Sunday to share that his business was looted. He uploaded surveillance video (above) of the crime happening

Ebrahim shared surveillance camera footage from inside and outside the store showing dozens of people ransacking it and stealing items. In his Facebook post, he said that he was unable to get to the store to check on it due to the weather and flooding conditions

Ebrahim shared surveillance camera footage from inside and outside the store showing dozens of people ransacking it and stealing items. In his Facebook post, he said that he was unable to get to the store to check on it due to the weather and flooding conditions

Reports of looting are not widespread, authorities say, but it has occurred in some instances.   

Houston store owner Samir Ebrahim took to Facebook on Sunday to share that his business was looted. 

Ebrahim shared surveillance camera footage from inside and outside the store showing dozens of people ransacking it and stealing items.  

In his Facebook post, he said that he was unable to get to the store to check on it due to the weather and flooding conditions. He also said he tried to call the police, but they were unable to respond. 

There have also been reports that an Apple store was damaged by gunfire. 

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk