Looting Continues 3 Weeks After Tornadoes
waaytv.com/news ^ | 5/18/11 | Stephanie Beecken
To add to all the devastation we've seen across North Alabama some thieves are hard at work taking advantage of those who've already lost so much.
Since April 27th, the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department has arrested 6 people for looting. Several theft cases are still under investigation.
Earlier this week, someone broke into the Chalybeate Fire Department and stole items donated for tornado victims.
“It totaled everything. It totaled my home and blew everything away. It totaled my 3 vehicles. Everything was a total loss,” said William Hayes.
Tornado victims, like William Hayes, continue to pick through the rubble looking for their most precious possessions but unfortunately they may not be the only one looking for a hidden treasure.
Hayes's sister in law was killed in the storm. Her children tried to save some of her belongings. According to Hayes they collected some items and put them where the shed used to be.
“The next morning they had come up here and they were gone. Someone had taken them,” said Hayes.
“We are in these areas. We're going to remain in these areas and we'll be looking for those possibly thinking about committing a theft,” said Captain Tim McWhorter.
According to Captain Tim McWhorter with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department, Wednesday Roy Bradford, and Waylen Bradford of Moulton were arrested for looting.
The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department adds that if you do trespass, you are putting yourself at risk because many home owners are staying on their land defending themselves and their property.
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