District Attorney Warns Looters

The smoke is still visible, and it can be smelled too, but the danger it signifies did not stop some criminals from burglarizing homes that survived the still burning Waldo Canyon Fire.

The El Paso and Teller County District Attorney Dan May had some strong words for those criminals that are taking advantage of evacuees by burglarizing their homes.

“To those who may be contemplating or thinking about burglarizing those homes, you better get prepared also. i hope you have packed your bags- we intend to evacuate you from our community and intend to do that for a very long time,” said May.

That is good to hear for people like Linda Burton who have returned home only to find that some of their possessions are long gone.

“With a fast evacuation like that, it is just horrible. It is like you are victimized again, your invasion of privacy,” said Burton.

Each instance of burglary could result in a 24 year prison sentence, and officials said they will not go easy on these offenders the number of looted homes stands at 32, but d-a May said police are currently investigating which break-ins were emergency personnel trying to save a home, and which were crimes.

May said patrolling has been increased in the evacuated zones.