You are a police officer in New Orleans. During the flooding following Hurricane Katrina, you are ordered to patrol la section of the downtown area to prevent looting. The water is waist high in some places. and sections of some blocks are inundated with floodwater. You come upon one shop and see the plate glass windows are broken. You see approximately a dozen people coming out of the shop with clothing in the arms. What do you do? The store’s goods (clothing, etc.) will be covered by the store owner’s insurance policy.
Should that make a difference in your decision? What if the store was not in an area that was flooded? Would it matter if the stolen clothes were damaged by flood water?
What if the thieves told you they were desperate and that they stole the clothes because their homes were underwater.
Would it make a difference if the items were televisions and other electronics items instead of clothing?