MENASHA, WI - It takes a special kind of scum to prey upon victims of natural disasters and the Menasha Police Department in Wisconsin has warned any would-be looters that the department will have a zero-tolerance policy for anyone engaging in such crimes after an EF3 tornado tore through town earlier this week, WFRV News reports.
.
Supercell that produced EF3 tornado in Menasha, Wisconsin, on July 27.
At a press briefing outlining recovery efforts, Chief of Police Matthew Albrecht was asked about looting potential throughout the community, as well as other possible violations. Albrecht said that two individuals were arrested on Tuesday, July 28.
“Both arrests were for failing to obey lawful orders,” Albrecht said. “There were individuals located going through some of the debris. We believe they were attempting to take property that wasn’t theirs, and that were not cooperative with law enforcement.”
That was a politically correct way to say the two individuals were looting.
The town has a curfew order in place as emergency officials deal with the aftermath of the tornado, and police have found some people from out of town coming into the city, in violation of that curfew, Albrecht said. He said those individuals were contacted and left willingly.
The chief also explained that even though there is a curfew in place, police are seeking voluntary instead of forced compliance.
“We’re asking the people that do not need to be in these areas, ‘Please don’t come,’” Albrecht said.
When asked specifically about looting, the chief said there will be extra patrols in place and city officers will be supplemented by officers with the Wisconsin State Patrol. He said additional officers have been put on shifts from the Menasha department as well.
Albrecht said that officers will be actively looking for people out and about during the curfew and that officers will stop and talk to them and determine what their business is. He emphasized that residents completing storm cleanup on their own property will be allowed to continue.
Out of town individuals, however, or others who don’t have a valid reason to be in the community will be asked to voluntarily comply.
Reemphasizing illegal activity, however, Albrech ensured anyone engaged in such conduct will be dealt with accordingly.
“If you’re involved in any illegal activity, we will have a zero tolerance policy, and an arrest will be made,” the chief said.
The Post Crescent reported that the tornado roared through town on July 27, destroying homes and businesses, downing power lines, and closing major roadways. The storm affected large swaths of the Badger State and included hurricane force winds and hail as large as four inches in diameter. The storms prompted states of emergency and disaster declarations in Menasha and other communities statewide.
The Crescent reported no deaths or serious injuries connected to the tornado. Authorities confirmed 68 injuries in all.
Comments