Why no looting with Rita?

badshotbob · 09-26-2005, 11:17 AM

This may open up a spoiled can of beans, but why do you suppose that looting was very minimal in an area where millions left? Was looting just not reported? Or was it the people/area?

NCOutdoors · 09-26-2005, 11:28 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: badshotbob

This may open up a spoiled can of beans, but why do you suppose that looting was very minimal in an area where millions left? Was looting just not reported? Or was it the people/area?

For a coupla reasons. First, I think the storm wasn't as bad and I'm guessing cops were back on the beat within hours of the storm clearing which removed any opportunity anyone had to loot. Equally important, I think the mindset of entitlement probably isn't as pervasive in the areas hit by Rita. In New Orleans, they felt (feel) like they are owed whatever they could take.

Deleted User · 09-26-2005, 11:31 AM

[Deleted by Admins]

underdog · 09-26-2005, 11:38 AM

A comparison of Houston's and N.O.'s crime rates in normal times might give some clue.

http://www.bestplaces.net/crime/Default.aspx

burniegoeasily · 09-26-2005, 12:43 PM

Texas has the death penalty, and were not afraid to use it.

Charley · 09-26-2005, 12:49 PM

I did hear some very early reports of sporadic looting in Galveston. Looters fear people who will shoot them to death, though. That's one of the reasons you didn't see anywhere near the scale of civil disorder in Texasas you did in NO.

Champlain Islander · 09-26-2005, 04:36 PM

The two hurricanes were different. The NO case developed into anarchy due to the total devastation, lack of authority, lack of communications and a general feeling of hopelessness. Much of the looting was in the ghetto section where many people stayed for a variety of reasons. The Rita evacuation was better planned and adequate authority remained.

FroMan · 09-26-2005, 05:19 PM

I'll stir the pot.

The first and foremost reason is because most people were gone. Very few were left.

Also...the people who were left, weren't thugs like those of New Orleans.

underdog · 09-26-2005, 05:55 PM

How do you explain the disparate crime rates between NO and Houston (and Houston is not exactly a low-crime city) during normal times?

NO's violent crime rate is about 300% greater than the national average and the property crime rate about 50% greater.

Champlain Islander · 09-26-2005, 06:53 PM

from cityrating.com 2003

I get a little better (worse) than 1 1/2 the national average for violent crime 2003 on New Orleans. Houston is a much larger city and IMO isn't as riddled with corruption, hence better and more effective police department. For some reason I can't get the same spread on Houston.Sorry butthe graph didn't print.