No Widespread Sandy Looting: Christie

Some local municipalities step up patrols in hopes to keep it that way

Gov. Chris Christie says there is no evidence of widespread looting in New Jersey in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. And he says he wants to keep it that way.

He said Friday that about 250 state troopers have been sent to the barrier islands to work with local police. Troopers will be patrolling by land and water to discourage thefts.

A Monmouth County prosecutor told the Asbury Park Press on Thursday that police had made about 25 arrests for crimes including “petty burglaries and looting incidents” in various communities over the past few days.

Atlantic City Police Det. Joseph Paparone told The Associated Press on Thursday that he saw looters by the city's outlet mall during the height of the storm earlier this week.

The individual municipalities would make decision on if they need State Police or National Guardsmen to patrol their towns, Christie said.

“They’re the ones that know what’s going on their towns better than I do sitting in some center in Trenton,” Christie said. “And when they ask for more help we give it to them.”

About 2,100 members of the New Jersey National Guard were activated to help with relief efforts -- many helping with the relief effort, Christie said.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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