Theft Of Government Property Investigated
Release Date: February 8, 2003
Release Number: 1446-38
» More Information on Guam Super Typhoon Pongsona
Dededo, Guam -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a warning regarding the theft of property belonging to the federal government.
During the past month, several pieces of equipment used in conjunction with recovery efforts for the people of Guam could not be accounted for. The equipment, including several generators and cables, was used to provide critical emergency service after Super Typhoon Pongsona. The loss of this equipment hinders recovery efforts, and in several cases is essential in providing life-sustaining support.
According to Guam Police Department Spokeswoman Sgt. Kim Santos, "We have taken criminal complaints of reported stolen FEMA equipment, all of which are currently under investigation." To date, the Guam Police Department has made three arrests in conjunction with the January burglary of FEMA's Disaster Recovery Center in Inarajan.
In addition to increased surveillance, disaster officials have been working with local authorities to recover the missing equipment, which is often clearly identified as FEMA property. Officials note that it is a serious crime to misappropriate federal property, and anyone found in possession of this equipment could be subject to severe fines and possible imprisonment.
Anyone knowing the whereabouts of stolen or misappropriated equipment, or having knowledge of any other disaster-related fraud may report the incident to the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603.
Last Modified: Friday, 14-Feb-2003 16:13:16