As we reported yesterday, losses from the wildfires in Los Angeles county are poised to reach $250 billion or more. Property isn't only being destroyed -- it's also being stolen by brazen looters. The neighbor of one LA county resident gave a disturbing description of what was going on on their street: "There were like a hundred people that came up on scooters and were trying to get into any and all houses on this street."

More than 40 people suspected of looting evacuated homes have been arrested by Santa Monica police during the fires Santa Monica Police Department

In response, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna has imposed a curfew, saying, "We're not screwing around with this; we don't want people taking advantage of our residents that have already been victimized." Of course, strong words are little defense against looters determined to prey on vulnerable innocents. Much as the bad guys ignore strong words, so too are plenty of good guys and gals who are opting to defy evacuation orders so they can secure their own property.