Prosecutors in Luzerne County say burglary charges can be more severe if the crimes occur during a state of emergency like an evacuation.
District Attorney Jackie Musto Carroll called the looting "despicable" because residents had already been victimized of the flooding.
In one case, police say a woman tasked with watching a neighbor's home stole a big-screen television, a computer and various other items. In another, two men allegedly stole a shotgun, two rifles, watches, computers and tools.
Musto Carroll says the thefts are punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
