TAMPA, Fla. — As the Tampa Bay area recovers from the impacts of Helene, law enforcement agencies are reminding people that criminal charges can be upgraded during a state of emergency.
According to a press release from State Attorney Suzy Lopez's office, crimes including theft, burglary, robbery and grand theft can result in harsher penalties if committed in specific circumstances during a state of emergency. That also means a misdemeanor can be upgraded to a felony, and felonies can be enhanced by one degree.
The warning comes amid reports of people stealing items from yards and neighborhoods that were hit hardest by the storm, according to the state attorney's office.
“It is disheartening to see thieves preying on vulnerable people who have lost everything during Hurricane Helene," State Attorney Lopez said in a statement. "Our prosecutors will hold these criminals accountable as we work together to lift our community up following one of the worst disasters our county has ever seen."
The Tampa Police Department said it has also increased the amount of patrols in neighborhoods affected by the storm.
"For any theft or burglary to be considered looting the property must be taken from inside of a structure or the enclosed area surrounding it with the intent to steal the property," a press release from the police department said. "This does not apply to someone taking items placed at the curb for disposal."
Anyone who sees suspicious activity is asked to call the Tampa Police Non-Emergency Line at 813-231-6130 or the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Line at 813-247-8200.
