Watch CBS News

Homeowners Issue Warnings To Looters Following Superstorm Sandy

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- In the wake of superstorm Sandy, reports of lootings across the Tri-State have been widespread.

Areas hit especially hard by Sandy continue to deal with dealing with lawlessness.

Rockaways residents told 1010 WINS reporter Gary Baumgarten that looting and thievery have become such serious threats that taking up arms and fleeing town are the best options for staying safe.

"If you got bags coming in and they see that they can rob you," said Thomas, who plans on taking a bus out of the Rockaways.

Looters Will Be Shot
Parts of Jersey Shore issuing THIS warning! #SandyAftermath. (credit: Chris Wragge/Facebook)

"The Queens District Attorney's Office, the New York City Police Department, and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg have zero tolerance for looters who would exploit a natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy for their own personal gain," said District Attorney Richard Brown last week. "Having personally viewed yesterday the devastation that encompasses the Rockaway peninsula and other areas of Queens, I want to make it clear that such lawlessness will be vigorously prosecuted by my office and that we will seek appropriate punishment."

Residents from Staten Island to the Jersey Shore have also seen their share of lootings, prompting some to post their own creative warnings.

Have you seen lootings in your area? Let us know below.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.