‘Just heartbreaking’: Looters on kayaks prey on Snohomish flood victims
Dec 15, 2025, 1:15 PM | Updated: 3:35 pm
A resident paddles his kayak through floodwaters. (Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)
(Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)
Following the floods that have displaced hundreds of residents throughout various parts of Washington, looters have been seen on kayaks stealing from properties in Snohomish.
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) reported looters navigating the floodwaters on kayaks near Marsh Road, according to KING 5.
“People are coming from all over the area just to take advantage of these people who can’t get to their properties right now, and it’s just heartbreaking,” Reva Barnhart, whose home is near the flooding, told KING 5.
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Looters navigate floodwaters by kayak to steal from properties
Barnhart’s husband, Michael Urick, witnessed the looters traversing the floods by kayaks with the sole purpose of targeting homes for items to steal.
“They had kayaks out here, but they were taking stuff from trailers in boats with motors on them,” Urick told KING 5.
The flooding in Snohomish has submerged Marsh Road under approximately 20 to 30 feet of water in certain areas. Barnhart noted residents in the region have even climbed onto the roofs of homes to catch a better view of the flooding.
Deputies revealed that one of the flooded properties, Franklin Farms, had been looted, although the stolen property was later recovered.
Near Barnhart and Urick’s home, animals and furniture are being stored at a neighbor’s property in a safe location away from the floods. This location has yet to be touched by the floods, but residents are worried that the upcoming storm may affect their efforts.
“The next storm that’s coming through Monday through Thursday is probably going to take our house,” Urick said.
Law enforcement urged all residents who have been forced to evacuate to lock up all valuables to safeguard them from potential looters. Other steps were provided for protecting their property, including installing security cameras.
SCSO also asked residents to immediately report any suspicious activity throughout the area.
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