About 40 people have already been arrested for theft. In total, 55 people were detained for various crimes.

Looting has increased in New Orleans, where many residents have been evacuated by Hurricane Ida. Police have already arrested 40 people for theft.

Police Chief Shaun Ferguson said at the time there were some arrests for looting, but would not give a number because he believed it would create a “false narrative” that police weren’t in control.

“There’s absolutely no reason for anyone to be on the streets of the city of New Orleans,” Ferguson added.

A total of 55 arrests were made in New Orleans for various crimes, including looting and domestic violence.

“There is no widespread looting; there is widespread empathy and community cooperation,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell said.

“We are all in dire need, and we have to reach out and lean on one another to get through this together,” Ferguson said. 

After the hurricane hit the state, a curfew was imposed on the city on Tuesday, August 31 to prevent crime and looting.

Many Louisiana residents are still without electricity after the storm, and their homes are still empty as residents were ordered to stay where they evacuated before the storm.

In New Orleans, about 195,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.

Image Credit: GEtty