In the UK during the blitz looting was not uncommon:

One of the most shocking crimes committed during wartime was the looting from bombed houses. In the first eight weeks of the London Blitz a total of 390 cases of looting was reported to the police. On 9th November, 1940, the first people tried for looting took place at the Old Bailey. Of these twenty cases, ten involved members of the Auxiliary Fire Service.

The Lord Mayor of London suggested that notices should be posted throughout the city, reminding the population that looting was punishable by hanging or shooting. However, the courts continued to treat this crime leniently. When a gang of army deserters were convicted of looting in Kent the judge handed down sentences ranging from five years’ penal servitude to eight years’ hard labour.

I doubt that any of today’s looters will face eight years’ hard labour (most are unacquainted with labour of any sort), although public opinion is certainly becoming opposed to leniency:

– In common with Conservative MEP Roger Helmer, 33 per cent of the public believe the police should be allowed to shoot the rioters with live ammunition.

– 78 per cent support the use of tear gas.

– 72 per cent support the use of tasers.

– 82 per cent want curfews imposed.

– 90 per cent support the use of water cannon.

– 65 per cent support the use of plastic bullets.