The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy is still not completely known. Many people have lost their homes and all their belongings. The latest reports state that the death toll is up to 110 people. Recovery efforts are ongoing as crews try to get supplies to the hardest-hit areas. In the midst of this chaos, Sandy’s hurricane force winds brought not only destruction, but waves of looters. On Staten Island, approximately 9 people were arrested this past weekend for stealing from shops in the area. Thieves were seen carrying out bags of items from Rite-Aid, while other looters broke into Discount Wine and Liquors and took off with thousands of dollars worth of alcohol.
‘People were running in and out of Rent-A-Center carrying these big flat screens. They were holding on tight,’ witness Aisha John, 20, told the New York Daily News. ‘I couldn't understand how someone could steal a big TV in broad daylight, but no one cared.’
Across NYC, there have been numerous complaints of theft since the hurricane hit, leading to a 7% rise in burglary reports from Monday – Thursday of last week, compared to the same time period last year. Police also state that they won’t know the full wrath of looters until the coming weeks as they get a handle on the overall situation. More property crimes are expected to be reported as people start to return to their abandoned homes and evaluate the situation.
While the majority of society tends to come together to help each other during crisis, some lack a sense of ethics and feel like it’s an opportunity to take what they somehow deserve. These people lack a social awareness of how their behavior affects those around them, and specifically the businesses and small business that they steal from.
The 9 out of at least 50 thieves that were sighted by witnesses, who were actually caught this past weekend, will be in for some serious punishment. It is unimaginable that the judges involved will go lightly on these offenders during this time of multi-state natural disaster. Theft diversion and prevention classes will most likely be mandated by the court as part of the punishment these shoplifters will face.
Online Theft classes are an ideal way for individuals who have been caught stealing to fulfill their court ordered theft education mandate. Taking a class online enables you to learn in the private and relaxed environment of your own home. There is no need to make any appointments or meet someone else’s timeline. You just register online for the class length that has been required and it’s available to you immediately. You are then able to go at your own pace and take the class when it fits most conveniently into your own schedule. This is a highly beneficial aspect for people worried about having to miss work or school to attend a live classroom course. Many people also report that they are able to focus and learn more in the quiet environment at home verses in a classroom full of strangers. Testimonies from online users across the country agree that this is the most convenient and educational way learn how and why to stop stealing.
