How Can A Theft Lawyer Help You For Loot Damages In Australia?

Looting is a kind of theft conducted during a crisis like war, riot, or natural disaster. It is considered a criminal offence, and therefore, the person or people associated with it can face serious legal consequences. Australia has faced some deadly natural disasters like intense bushfires, strong cyclones, and devastating floods in recent times. These types of incidents had made people worried.

Reading this blog may help you take prior precautions to prevent being a victim of such incidents. However, if you want to go for legal proceedings, you must consult with theft lawyer Perth.

Looting During A Natural Disaster Is A Serious Crime In Australia

Let us give an example. In 2011, the cyclone Yasi and the resulting floods had a devastating impact on Queensland. Huge property damage, loss of homes were the results of that disaster. But in addition to such massive losses, another pressure faced by the local community was the fear of loot.

Because of these reasons, it is necessary to be aware of the essential elements and punishments associated with such a crime.

Criminal codes of most Australian states consider this crime of stealing someone’s belongings in the most vulnerable situations like a disaster, industrial dispute, or civil unrest a serious offence and the alleged person or people can face several years in prison if found guilty.

What Are The Punishments Available For Looters Who Commit Their Crimes After A Natural Disaster?

The person convicted of looting at the time of a calamity can be sent behind bars for 10 years, with an additional 5 years for a general stealing offence. However, a looter can be charged only when caught. As the police force remains busy with rescues and disaster management operations, looters see it as a golden opportunity.

What Do You Need To Prove To Convict A Person Of The Offence Of Looting?

If you want to convict a specific person or a specific group of persons of the offence of looting, you will need to prove the following.

• The stolen property should have the capability of getting robbed at the time of natural disaster. It means it should be an easily portable thing.
• You were the owner of the property.
• You had not given any consent to take the property.
• The physical action of moving or dealing with the property should also have been there for taking it away. Evidence should be submitted in support of that.
• The looter or looters must intend to deprive the rightful owner of the looted item or items.
• The offence was committed during civil unrest, war, riot, natural disaster, or industrial dispute.

In addition, there is another law under the relevant government act. It says even if the property is lost because of the impact of the disaster, any person other than the owner has no right to take it for personal benefits. If someone finds it, they should hand it over to the authorities.

Which Organisations Commence Fraud, Dishonesty, And Theft Cases In Australia?

In Australia, fraud and dishonesty cases are usually commenced by the following organisations.

• Police Departments of the states
• The Office of Public Prosecutions for state offences
• Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions for commonwealth offences
• Australian Federal Police (AFP)
• Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
• WorkCover
• Regulatory breaches
• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
• Australian Securities and Investments Commission

How Can A Theft Lawyer Help You In Your Case?

At the time of an emergency, it will be difficult for you to contact a lawyer. But, once the ongoing crisis is over and you manage to settle a bit, you should get in touch with the best criminal defence lawyer near you. We recommend using the best professional because an experienced and top-rated professional can only offer you the maximum benefits, which are as follows.

• They can provide you with valuable assistance in determining the effective methods to recover your losses.
• A theft lawyer can help you get your insurance claims.
• Once you can identify looters, you should hire your lawyer to start with the legal proceedings.
• Having a professional lawyer can also protect you against liability for steps taken to prevent looting.

What Prior Measures Can You Take To Prevent Looting?

Here we discuss some measures that you can take yourself to prevent looting or get harmed by the looters.

• Installing reinforced doors or storm shutters, or bars on windows can protect you against those trespassers.
• If possible, you should move out from where looters can come and return after the order is restored. Before leaving, do not forget to take photographs of the place, which can be shown as evidence to make insurance claims.

Contact Criminal Lawyers Perth WA

Criminal Lawyers Perth WA is a law firm based in Perth and has been providing reliable services over the years. Anytime you need help, you can give them a call without hesitation.