JACKSON, Ky. (FOX 56) – In recent days, curfews have been enforced in the flooded counties due to a rise in criminal activity.

Businesses in Jackson are trying to pick up the pieces after last week’s deadly flooding, but now they are battling an increase in crime.

The Breathitt County sheriff confirmed there have been seven drownings, one additional fatality, and three people reported missing.

This is still a very vulnerable community and people are trying to take advantage of the situation. Sheriff John Hollan says scamming and looting will absolutely not be tolerated.

“Reporting of people doing roofs on houses, rebuilding homes, impersonating FEMA representatives, and even pave and asphalt roads later, it can be anything with FEMA,” said Hollan.

Hollan said Breathitt County is being targeted by scammers and is swiftly putting a stop to it.

“And I’ve actually spoke to the FBI, this morning, and we’re working with them to come up with some stuff to stop this,” said Hollan.

Breathitt County has now enforced a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

It’s being enforced to ward off looters and Hollan said residents need to keep an eye on their valuables after hours, starting with their side-by-sides or ATVs.

“And catalytic converters from washed away vehicles, that’s a big thing in this area,” said Hollan. “Copper wire out of a home, anything of value that they can get a dollar out of.”

In addition to the curfew, Breathitt County Animal Control office has asked for people to start tying up their pets effective midnight Wednesday.

“cause we don’t want to pick up anybody’s animals, we don’t want to do that, but the stray animals, we need to get them picked up as soon as possible and animals that need help, we need to get them help,” said Jamie Holbrook, animal control officer.

another form of help the animal control office has to offer is food for pets, but they’re asking for other donations.

“Right now, what our biggest need is for dog houses, tie-out chains, 10-foot tie-out chains, some of the screw rods that screw into the ground, and dog collars, that’s our biggest demand right now,” said Holbrook.

To report criminal activity you can contact the sheriff’s office, Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s office, or the Kentucky State Police.