Tornado Looters in Moore, OK Target Vulnerable Homeowners, Valuable Metals
Police have revealed that several individuals have been arrested in Moore, Okla., after they were caught looting houses that were destroyed when a tornado tore through the town.
Reports indicate that looters are taking building scraps such as copper pipes and other metals that can be resold to scrap yards. There are also reports that looters are taking more personal possessions such as jewelry, electronics and furniture.
"We are seeing people take everything from copper to pipes to scrap metal to all kinds of electronics … It's a misdemeanor crime and not a crime we usually have to deal with," Moore police spokesman Jeremy Lewis said in a statement.
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Moore resident Jon Fisher was one of the many in the town who lost everything to the May 20 twister that claimed 24 lives and destroyed many others.
Fisher said tornado looters had set in almost immediately, and says brazen thefts were observed nearly as soon as the storm cleared out.
"The houses are still standing and looters are kicking in doors and taking TVs and appliances … They arrested two guys in my neighborhood the night of the tornado who were carrying out a love seat and couch."
There was, however, some who decided to extend a helping hand to those in need.
Christian-based organization Samaritan's Purse was one of several relief-experienced groups that responded to the series of vicious storms that pounded the Oklahoma City area.
The ministry reported that its staff members were helping the people impacted by the tornadoes. Two Disaster Relief Units were deployed from its North Carolina headquarters.
Samaritan's Purse gave this report: "A mile-wide twister pounded the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, leveling homes, businesses and schools in Moore. The funnel cloud could be seen for miles, creating a debris field several miles wide. Weather officials estimated the strength of the tornado to be an EF-4 or EF-5, with radar estimates suggesting it had the potential to produce 200 mph winds."
