I 'knew' this would happen.
www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,70131-13480291,00.html?f=rssOil Blast Homes Looted
Updated: 12:36, Friday December 16, 2005
Looters have struck at homes abandoned after the Buncefield oil depot explosion.
Burglars have descended on at least three houses and stripped them of contents, such as televisions.
Ironically, police ordered householders out of the homes after Sunday's explosion.
They told them their homes would be safe in a police cordon.
But shocked residents returned home to find their houses ruined - and their possessions gone.
Household Aaron Muir told Sky News he was looted three times in three days.
"We have been continually looted for the last three evenings," he said. "We have not been allowed to get access to our property to protect our property.
"The police have been unable to protect my property."
Police say they are investigating the claims.
Property ruined by the blast
Property ruined by the blast
"We can confirm that the constabulary is currently investigating three allegations of burglary at residential properties in Cherry Trees Lane and Punch Bowl Lane, Hemel Hempstead," a Hertfordshire police statement said.
"We can further confirm that the properties are located close to the Buncefield Oil Depot and within a very short distance from one of the last tanks that continues to be tackled by firefighters.
"It is extremely regrettable that this incident has occurred at what is a very difficult and distressing time for local residents - that offenders should take advantage of this situation is utterly despicable and callous."
It added: "Hertfordshire Constabulary is doing all that is logistically possible to maintain the security of premises that currently remain vacant following Sunday's explosion."
The cause of the massive blaze which destroyed the depot is still being investigated.
The main fire was put out on Tuesday but small blazes are still burning.
Most local residents who were evacuated from their homes were allowed to return on Wednesday.