As Hurricane Florence slams North Carolina, people are getting arrested for looting businesses and homes.
At least four people in Brunswick County have been charged with efforts to break and enter a store.
Authorities have seen car, business and home break-ins, calls of suspicious people _ and arrested one after a police chase.
"Naturally you'll have individuals that will try to look for opportunities to prey upon people when they are at their most vulnerable," Brunswick County Sheriff John Ingram told WWAY News. "In this situation we've had a lot of people that have evacuated their homes and businesses ... and we have already seen that through the night."
In response to the crimes, Brunswick County Sheriff's Office shared a Facebook post advising "deputies are still on duty! You will be arrested!"
"I want people to know that _ yes the criminal element is out and looking for opportunities � but we are out in force and we're doing everything we can to protect their property," Ingram said.
In Myrtle Beach, S.C., Knuckleheads Bar & Grill had a not-so-subtle message for anyone planning on breaking in.
"Looters will be shot," employees wrote on wooden boards covering the bar's windows.
People are being told to secure their property and stay in a safe location.
Ingram warned to those wanting to check on their homes and business that, "conditions are very dangerous outside right now ... we don't want people on the roads."
