LAPLACE — Sheriff Mike Tregre knows some in the criminal community may think of the damage suffered in St. John the Baptist Parish as an opportunity to steal or loot.

He has a message for them.

“For those who are coming here for the wrong intentions, that is where my job comes into place,” he said. “We will be out here with a very, very strong presence in marked and unmarked units. We’re going to be out here for the duration until we see everything is safe and secure.

“For those who would come out here and try to steal or loot, hopefully you hear this: It may not be the Sheriff’s Office you have to fear. The residents will protect themselves and their property. It may turn out that you may the one who needs 911 services.”

Tregre made his statements during a 30-minute press conference hosted by Parish President Natalie Robottom and other local officials.

Parish officials said two tornados struck LaPlace Tuesday evening, causing damage to more than 200 homes and dozens of businesses.

Tregre said authorities have been riding the streets Wednesday morning, looking individual residents in their eyes, noting most are displaying tremendous resilience.

“They are taking care of their homes and cleaning up their property,” he said. “Everybody responded the best as they could have possibly responded.”

Tregre is asking anyone who witnesses an irregularity to contact authorities.

“If you see something that is not normal, somebody here that is not supposed to be, call 911 and let us do our job,” he said. “That is what I am asking for — safety and security.”