The Aftermath of IrMaria in the U.S. Virgin Islands: Temporal Patterns of Looting, Burglaries, and Community Solidarity

Abstract

This study investigates the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria (IrMaria) in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the dichotomy between media reports depicting mass looting and chaos with statements by public officials disputing these claims. Perceptions on post-hurricane criminality can influence sheltering and evacuation behavior as well as frame public policy. The authors review the post-disaster collective behavior literature and implement a mixed-methods approach to examine the veracity of these looting claims. Post-disaster interviews with impacted households, business owners, and public servants reveal a pro-social environment with strong community solidarity in the immediate aftermath of IrMaria. Sheltering behavior was not influenced by fears of looting, but was influenced by previous hurricane false alarms. Regression of available FBI-UCR data shows the rate of burglary has declined across the islands since 2010. An aggregate-level report by the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department shows a decline in all crimes throughout the US territory compared to the fiscal year before IrMaria, but a four percent increase in burglary incidents. The comparable increase in incidents occurred within four months of IrMaria's landfall, followed by a precipitous decrease in incidents. This finding aligns with theoretical calls to consider temporal phases and patterns of post-disaster crime. Considering the delayed federal response and the decrease in all other crimes for the fiscal year, the authors attribute the momentary increase in burglary incidents as a misnomer and are likely survival appropriating acts that decreased with burgeoning humanitarian assistance. This study recommends disaster public policy and recovery efforts prioritize the unmet needs of hurricane survivors and greater scrutiny of the constraints of US colonialism that impede disaster resilience. Additionally, the paper highlights other concerns raised by participants during fieldwork interviews and emphasizes the necessity and value of ethical post-disaster qualitative research.