York flooding: Looters target victims' homes
There have been reports of people taking dry goods left outside flooded homes in white vans
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Your support makes all the difference.Looters are targeting homes which have been evacuated during the York floods.
There have been multiple reports of dry goods left outside flooded homes being stolen and driven away in white vans, according to police.
North Yorkshire Police's Acting Superintendent, Mark Grange, said: “It is extremely disappointing to see victims of the floods being targeted in this way.
“It is impossible to comprehend why anyone would want to bring further suffering to those who are already in a very vulnerable situation.”
Many local residents were forced to leave their homes after the flooding and returned to find their valuables had been stolen.
Local resident Dr Thomas Green told the Daily Mail: “It was clear that they were taking small, expensive items that they could hide on their person. The TV and other large valuables were left behind.
"Some of what was taken was insured and easily replaced, but some of the sentimental items we’ll never get back."
Local business the Cycle Factory of Todmorden took to Facebook to list nine bikes it claims were stolen after it was badly damaged by flooding.
In a Facebook post it said: “Struggling for words here we got flooded on Saturday as did a lot of people. Last night we were robbed by the scum of the earth praying on flood victims.”
No arrests have been made so far as police continue with their investigations.
Officers have increased their patrols amid fears looters may continue to target empty houses.
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