SANTA MONICA : 12 Looting Cases Reported in City Since Quake

Police in Santa Monica have reported 12 looting incidents since the Jan. 17 earthquake, including two Thursday--a burglary at a damaged apartment building and the arrest of two men walking on Wilshire Boulevard with armfuls of jewelry and cash.

Two tenants Thursday reported television sets, office equipment and linens taken from a 42-unit apartment building on Euclid Street, Sgt. Gary Gallinot said. Residents Friday moved their belongings out of the building, which has been deemed unsafe for occupancy.

After the quake the building was boarded up. When the building was downgraded to “yellow tag,” allowing entry for short periods, police who had been guarding it were reassigned. After the burglaries, officers supervised as tenants moved their belongings.

In another incident, two men were arrested Thursday on suspicion of burglary when they were seen walking along the 1800 block of Wilshire Boulevard carrying jewelry and cash, Gallinot said. Police believe the goods may have come from a damaged store.