The definition of what constitutes looting, and what the population perceive to be looting I believe are two sepperate issues.
If the population has been evacuated to safety with an outlook to returning to their homes and possessions, then anyone who steals/loots from those private properties should expect a lead lobotomy (in the States anyway) and a damn good thrashing over here
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My position is this, if the population has left due to whatever breakdown and has no chance or wish to return to their properties and I take advantage of this by acquiring their abandoned goods, am I a looter?