Tampa officials warn of harsher criminal penalties after Helene [Video]

TAMPA, Fla. — As the Tampa Bay area recovers from the impacts of Helene, law enforcement agencies are reminding people that criminal charges can be upgraded during a state of emergency.

According to a press release from State Attorney Suzy Lopez’s office, crimes including theft, burglary, robbery and grand theft can result in harsher penalties if committed in specific circumstances during a state of emergency. That also means a misdemeanor can be upgraded to a felony, and felonies can be enhanced by one degree.

The warning comes amid reports of people stealing items from yards and neighborhoods that were hit hardest by the storm, according to the state attorney’s office.

“It is disheartening to see thieves preying on vulnerable people who have lost everything during Hurricane Helene,” State Attorney Lopez said in a statement. …