FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Despite dangerous winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Irma, several looting incidents have been reported in Fort Lauderdale.
News 6 sister station WPLG-TV cameras caught a group breaking into the Simon's Sportswear on Sunrise Boulevard and Powerline Road.
As many as nine people broke through the front window and were seen walking out with stolen items.
Fort Lauderdale police arrested nine people caught by Local 10 cameras looting the Fort Lauderdale business despite the dangerous winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Irma.
A group then began looting a Footlocker in the same area. It's not known whether it was the same group.
Hours later, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department tweeted that they had caught the criminals.
"Going to prison over a pair of sneakers is a fairly bad life choice," said Fort Lauderdale police chief Rick Maglione. "Stay home and look after your loved ones and be thankful they are all safe."
The Broward Sheriff's Office immediately reacted to Local 10's report, tweeting "ATTENTION LOOTERS; Every incident will be investigated. Evidence collected will be used to pursue charges after the fact."
Meanwhile, the Pembroke Pines Police Department issued a stern warning, tweeting "Any looters who come to Pembroke Pines will be greeted by our officers. Choose wisely and stay home."
South Florida law enforcement officials promised to police the streets to prevent looting, but with unsafe winds currently pummeling the region, it's not known if units are currently on patrol.