Floods, Thieves Hit Staten Island

A group of Staten Island residents say they've been victimized twice - first by floods, then by burglars. Police tell The Staten Island Advance that thieves had vandalized 3 of the 9 homes that had been evacuated because of flooding in Rosebank.

Stolen items include fur coats, computer equipment, silverware and big-screen televisions - more than $50,000 worth of property. The residents left about 2 weeks ago after a 50-foot-high retaining wall collapsed into New York Harbor. Work by city officials prevented them from returning except briefly to pick up belongings.

FEMA officials have visited the area to determine whether Staten Island should be designated a federal disaster area. That would allow residents to apply for grants and low-interest loans. Police are asking anyone with information on the burglaries to call 800-577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.