Victims of November’s tornado in OKC dealing with uptick in looters

OKLAHOMA CITY ( KFOR ) – A southeast Oklahoma City neighborhood, heavily damaged by November’s tornado, has been dealing with looters for weeks.

Jenna Russell said she and her neighbors have been on edge after spotting thieves sifting through homes left vacant while homeowners rebuild. She said since police stopped patrolling the area, the crime has gotten worse.

“It’s ridiculous and it’s not ok,” said Russell. “They’re hitting these houses and it’s adding insult to injury that people that have already lost like everything.”

Since the storm wiped out parts of her home, as well as her back fence, she can look out her window and see many of the severely damaged houses. She said two days ago she noticed something unusual happening at the home directly behind her house.

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“My neighbor’s door was open,” said Russell. “I kind of peered in and I could hear somebody in there.”

Russell said she called the police and her neighbor. Thieves broke into the house, stole valuables and got away before officers arrived.

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