Fort Lauderdale police arrested nine people after a local TV station caught looters breaking into stores during Hurricane Irma.

WPLG captured video of the group breaking through the front window of a sportswear store in Fort Lauderdale.

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The group was then seen leaving with the stolen goods before entering a Foot Locker and CashAmerica Pawn Store nearby, according to WPLG.

Officers captured the alleged thieves Sunday.

“Going to prison over a pair of sneakers is a fairly bad choice,” Fort Lauderdale Police Department Chief Maglione said. “Stay home and look after your loved ones and be thankful they are all safe.”

See the video here:

Other local law enforcement officers responded to the looting in Fort Lauderdale with their own warnings.

Read more at WPLG.

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U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) listens as House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) speaks to the media after the House narrowly passed a bill forwarding President Donald Trump's agenda, May 22, 2025 in Washington, D.C.  (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images/TNS)

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