Law enforcement on the lookout for looters in flood zones

Horry County Police and the National Guard are manning more than a dozen checkpoints near the Waccamaw River this week to assist residents trying to access their flooded homes and to block looters from burglarizing the disaster areas.

“There’s always someone out there who will take advantage of every situation,” said Lt. Raul Denis with the Horry County Police.

“People will look for a way in to fill whatever will fit into their backpack such as laptops and other small valuable items,” Denis said. “Please take those items with you when you secure your home, and let the nearest checkpoint officer know that your house is clear and secure, and that there should not be anyone around your property.”

Many residents aren’t taking any chances with the rising water or burglars; some are boating their small and larger possessions down flooded streets, including giant flat screen TVs and couches.

No criminal activity in the flood zones have been reported, but experience with past hurricanes has taught law enforcement officers that looters are lurking and looking for a route into flooded neighborhoods.

If thieves find their path blocked by flooded streets and law enforcement blockades, they’ll try boating down the Waccamaw River. And that’s where criminals are likely to drift into officers from the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) who are patrolling the river.

“We’re maintaining a vigilant eye and watching for that in evacuated areas,” said Capt. Robert McCullough with the DNR. “We’re always keenly aware of looting, especially in these instances.”

“At a time like this, it’s just a shame that people would take advantage of people in this situation, you just hate to see it,” McCullough said.

While the county police, fire and rescue workers, and DNR are watching checkpoints and the river, some residents in Lees Landing have taken matters in their own hands and installed security cameras at their homes to help catch thieves.

Residents are also using their private boats to patrol the flooded streets to check on their homes as well as their neighbor’s property, after checking in first with officials so that law enforcement knows they are allowed to be in the flood zone.

“This is not the time to be pleasure boating,” Denis said. “If you are back there and police see you, we might chase you down to see what the heck you are doing.”

This story was originally published October 8, 2015 at 2:59 PM with the headline "Law enforcement on the lookout for looters in flood zones."