Suspected looters are using kayaks to rob homes impacted by flooding in Washington, cops say

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Looters used kayaks to reach a vulnerable home damaged by the disaster. devastating flood in Washington and rob him, police say.

historical floods have been devastating cities across the state since last week, washing away houses and forcing the complete evacuation of some areas.

Now, according to Snohomish County Sheriff's Office officials, some criminals are taking advantage of the chaos to launch raids.

On Saturday, the homeowner said deputies from the SCSO that their property was looted and their property stolen by robbers who arrived in kayaks and other boats.

When the homeowner confronted the kayak scammers, they were able to get their belongings back, according to a statement SCSO saw Search news.

“These people have suffered enough and are trying to recover from the disaster,” the department said.

Lt. Glenn DeWitt said. Seattle Times residents should lock up their valuables and record serial numbers to track stolen property.

Devitt also had a message for any marauders planning a raid in the near future.

“Don't steal, it's immoral and a crime. We will find you and arrest you,” he said.

SCSO says criminals are using floods to burgle vulnerable homes (AP)

Deputies said they were responding to reports that people had started kayaks in a restricted area earlier that day around 11 a.m.

Although they came into contact with some of kayakersthey did not confirm any criminal activity at that time and released the people they encountered.

It is unclear whether the kayakers were the perpetrators of the alleged robbery.

According to PBS NewsThe evacuation of the entire Skagit River floodplain forced 78,000 residents from their homes ahead of expected flooding Friday morning.

Residents, including Carter Johnson and his five-year-old brother Milo, were forced to use boats to escape the rising waters.

On the same day, the Snohomish River was recorded at a record depth of 34.15 feet. Weather in Fox reported. When heavy rains return this coming week, river can go even deeper.

“This is truly a historic situation,” Gov. Bob Ferguson told reporters as emergency crews worked to bring residents to safety. “Rivers like the Skagit and Cedar are literally facing historic flood levels.

“So, Washington state residents have not experienced this level of flooding before.”

The emergency declaration was signed Donald Trump Dec. 12, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide assistance to residents.

Fox Weather meteorologists reported that cool air will move into the area by midweek, meaning some areas could see snow before the chaotic conditions calm down.