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Video above: Clearwater Police Department increases anti-looting patrols as beaches reopen to public
CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — Clearwater barrier island residents are mistakenly reporting looters in their community, according to the police department.
While the streets are lined with debris and household items for disposal, some people are taking things off the curb. Clearwater police said this is being falsely reported as looting.
“Clearwater Police Department would like to clarify: it is not considered ‘looting,’ theft, or any other crime when someone takes items that you leave at the curb for disposal,” Clearwater police wrote on social media. “Looting happens when someone forcefully enters a home or business with the intent to steal from or sack it.”
Clearwater officials said they “want the community to understand the difference and report criminal activity appropriately.”
Police Chief Eric Gandy said Tuesday that officers will increase their anti-looting patrols in the affected areas to help protect property.
