Looting far outside NO?

[tim_in_ga]

We were just talking to a contractor working on the federal prison in Pollock (we sold emergency generators and electrical equipment a while back). He stated that the local Wal-Mart was closed due to looting. Seems very far outside of New Orleans for this to be happening.

[CajunMama]

until you see it in print or confirmed on tv or radio i would take it as a rumor. rumors are flying all around here with a supposedly robbery at walmart and ended up being a murder at the walmart. right now, those of us who cities are helping the evacuees are finding their towns changed and rumors are going to start. check with your police department if it would make you feel more comfortable.

[Mattie]

Yes - it is happening - Baton Rouge area had a scare yesterday which included calling swat and a couple of black hawks to calm a very angry crowd of evacuees. Unfortunately, the evacuees are allowed to roam the city - are not required to stay in shelters and they are bringing their crime to the cities that are hosting them.

North Texas is also opening shelters in addition to Dallas area evacuation centers. These guys need to get a grip because North Texas law enforcement won't be asking too many questions - they just take action.

[blueeyes_austin]

Yes - it is happening - Baton Rouge area had a scare yesterday which included calling swat and a couple of black hawks to calm a very angry crowd of evacuees. Unfortunately, the evacuees are allowed to roam the city - are not required to stay in shelters and they are bringing their crime to the cities that are hosting them.

Well, they ARE citizens of the US. Typically, we believe that US citizens ought to, you know, be able to move freely around the country.

[Mattie]

Yea - move as free as you want - but if you can't play by the rules - and want to pilfer, rape and rob - they don't deserve to have civil rights. I'm all for rescuing and assistance, but don't abuse the kindness of other humans.

spend some time watching http://www.wwltv.com

Those live reports are eye opening for those that don't believe the crime and tragedy happening in New Orleans.

[BayouVenteux]

Yes - it is happening - Baton Rouge area had a scare yesterday which included calling swat and a couple of black hawks to calm a very angry crowd of evacuees. Unfortunately, the evacuees are allowed to roam the city - are not required to stay in shelters and they are bringing their crime to the cities that are hosting them.

Respectfully, I must point out that the above information is absolutely FALSE. My wife is a departmental manager for the City-Parish and is privy to official information. There have been NO MAJOR INCIDENTS involving storm refugees in East Baton Rouge Parish. Most are well-behaved and simply trying to make the best of this terrible situation. As with any large mass of people, you will have what Baton Rouge City Police Chief Jeff LeDuff refers to as "the 10%" who may cause problems, but thus far, only isolated minor incidents have occurred, as would be typical of any evacuation/exodus of this most un-typical magnitude.

The rest is nothing more than fear-mongering, misinformation, and rumor.

[themusk]

Yea - move as free as you want - but if you can't play by the rules - and want to pilfer, rape and rob - they don't deserve to have civil rights. I'm all for rescuing and assistance, but don't abuse the kindness of other humans.

Actually everyone has civil rights. For the vast majority of innocent victims of the storm, those rights include the right not to be summarily incarcerated with a bunch of predators. For the small criminal percentage, it's the right to see a judge and jury up close and personal, and an assurance that we won't use the rack or iron maiden on them once they get what they deserve.

[Mattie]

I will interject as well - My sources are government offices in the Livingston Parish and Baton Rouge areas. I'm not a rumor monger - and will substantiate my info as soon as it is in print. The Baton Rouge downtown area was in lockdown yesterday. There is unrest in the area.

[HurriCat]

Yes - it is happening - Baton Rouge area had a scare yesterday which included calling swat and a couple of black hawks to calm a very angry crowd of evacuees. Unfortunately, the evacuees are allowed to roam the city - are not required to stay in shelters and they are bringing their crime to the cities that are hosting them.

Well, they ARE citizens of the US. Typically, we believe that US citizens ought to, you know, be able to move freely around the country.

But not, YOU know, roam the streets in a mob and commit crimes without answering for it.

[Jagno]

Mattie, when I see the confirmed reports then I will listen, however, we are home to 3,000+ here in Lake Charles and have not have one ounce of problems from these very lost folks called evacuees. So far they are the most polite, well mannered and grateful folks that I have had the ultimate pleasure of assisting. Most don't even want assistance, they've begged to mop, chop onions or do whatever it takes to help us to help them. Our own local thugs have used this as an excuse to really be a$$es right now but the evacuees have been nothing but wonderful.

[Mattie]

Jagno - I'm glad to hear - and yes there are grateful evacuees even in not so great conditions. However, my point was this - there is great potential in these small communities for additional crime, etc. because we are not equipped to handle this. The stores in Livingston Parish are pretty much bare and can't be restocked quick enough to maintain the residents there already - much less feed an additional 1000 plus. I think the Baton Rouge area probably is seeing a lot of this first because this is basically the first stop going west.

Who knows - but I am sure that the local police are working very hard to maintain order, get the evacuees what they need. They are desparate.

They have no money - no clothes - people are opening up their closets/food pantry etc. to help everyone.

I hear as I write this on wwl that there are shots being fired upon the wildlife games and fisheries - they can't send volunteers in because it is still too dangerous to civilians.

The situation will, IMO, continue to deteriorate when the supplies do run out in these small communities.

North Texas just this morning is calling all law enforcement to monitor the situation here for the evacuees that are being moved here from downtown Dallas area. Reunion Arena cannot hold all that have been sent here.