TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa police are stepping up patrols in neighborhoods hit hard by Hurricane Helene to ensure safety and deter crime during the recovery process. Officers will be highly visible in affected areas, providing support to residents and preventing looting.
Enhanced Penalties for Looting
Tampa is under a state of emergency, meaning criminals face harsher penalties for theft and burglary related to the hurricane. Looting includes stealing property from inside a structure or its enclosed area, but does not apply to taking discarded items left curbside. Any theft or burglary made easier by storm conditions, such as power outages, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Read: Tampa Police Increase Patrols To Protect Pedestrians And Cyclists
“We are committed to keeping our community safe in the post-storm recovery,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “The last thing people need to worry about is protecting their property. We’ve assigned officers to increase patrols in these areas and are here to support our community with our goal of being safer, together.”
Report Suspicious Activity
Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to the police non-emergency line at (813) 231-6130. In case of an emergency, call 911.
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