Newly Released Footage Shows Evacuated Altadena Home Being Looted Amid Wildfire Crisis [Video]

New troubling surveillance footage has been released showing a looting incident as the Los Angeles region continues grappling with destructive wildfires.

Video

The home security video, released on Monday by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, captures intruders breaking into a residence in Altadena, one of the communities hardest hit by the ongoing fires.

In the video, multiple individuals are seen walking through a home that has been evacuated. It appears largely untouched by the fires, as several pieces of furniture can be seen in the clip. The people in the clip are seen wearing hoodies, some of which have backpacks. Some of them make their way upstairs, while others remain downstairs and walk out of view. It’s unclear what they retrieved from the home. Authorities have stated the chaos created by the wildfires has emboldened criminal activity in affected areas.

At least 20 people have been arrested on charges related to entering uninhabited areas and structures amid the ongoing disaster. Nine of those individuals have been charged with looting, facing multiple felony counts for burglary and grand theft, officials announced Monday. Los Angeles County officials have maintained that anyone caught looting during this time will face harsh penalties.

The fires, which have scorched thousands of acres and forced evacuations across several neighborhoods, continue to challenge firefighters and disrupt daily life. Authorities have urged residents to report any suspicious activity and are increasing patrols in evacuated zones to deter further crimes.