looting

noun

1. The act of stealing during a crisis such as a war, riot or natural disaster, when law enforcement is ineffective or absent.

   “Near-synonym: plundering”

   “During the looting, the mob stole everything they could and then set fire to the buildings.”

verb

1. (form-of, gerund, participle, present)present participle and gerund of loot

   “While looting the stores the looters took the opportunity for revenge by destroying what they didn't steal.”