Pensacola Police Report Isolated Thefts, No Widespread Looting Following Hurricane Isaias

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Despite widespread hurricane damage, extended power outages and neighborhoods filled with debris, Pensacola Police say the city has not experienced widespread looting following Hurricane Isaias.

That doesn't mean there haven't been some unusual thefts.

During an interview Thursday morning on NewsRadio 92.3's Pensacola's Morning News, department spokesman Mike Wood said officers have made arrests involving the theft of copper from downed utility lines.

Police also arrested someone accused of stealing a stop sign.

"We've made arrests of people already taking lines that are down — the copper," Wood said. "And we had an individual stealing a stop sign. Why? I don't know, but we've made arrests for both of those so far."

Wood said the department has investigated some burglaries but has not seen the widespread looting sometimes feared following major disasters.

"We've had a couple of burglaries and again, those thefts, but as far as a lot of looting at one time everywhere, we did not see that," Wood said.

Hurricane Isaias left extensive damage throughout Pensacola, including downed trees, damaged utility infrastructure and widespread power outages.

Police continue monitoring neighborhoods and responding to calls as residents and businesses work through the recovery process.