WA police deny looter problem in fire zone

Hundreds of people who fled bushfire-ravaged towns are worried looters are stealing from their unguarded homes, but West Australian Police insist there is no problem.

Police said on Saturday they had received one report of a "suspicious person" in Yarloop, 130km south of Perth, which was almost entirely wiped out when the blaze tore through the town, destroying 121 homes and heritage structures on Thursday night.

State Commander Alf Fordham said while there had been damage to some police infrastructure, including accommodation in Yarloop, it was not affecting police services.

"At this point in time there does not appear to be any law and order issues in the fire impacted areas, however we will continue to provide a highly visible police presence through regular patrols and respond to specific concerns that are raised," he said.

It comes after rumours began to spread among more than 800 people who had registered at two evacuation centres in Pinjarra and Australind that looters were scouring properties while authorities were busy fighting the blaze.

WA Police first tried to reassure residents on Friday that there was no evidence of looting, despite officers not going into the fire zone because it was too dangerous.

But outraged residents took to Facebook to vent their frustrations, claiming they had heard about children on bikes ransacking properties and had complained at evacuation centres, but police had ignored them.

Andrew Dymock posted: "We reported that our shed had been looted to the head of police today at the town meeting. His response was 'there have been no reports'. What did he think we were doing? We asked if he had a police presence in the town or anyone who was checking on the property and he said 'no it was too dangerous'. Not too dangerous for the scumbags that stole my bike."

Others tried to defend police efforts, like Sue Harmer, who wrote: "Settle down people. I know it's stressful but the police can't be everywhere. They have rather a large job on at the moment, you of all people should be aware of that."

Kristy Bidwell posted: "Anyone that is having a go at WAPOL, feel free to pop down to where the fires are and help out. These men and woman (along with firefighters and ambos) are putting their lives in danger to help others and they sure don't deserve any negative comments."

Pauline Snowden wrote: "How can people take advantage of others' loss like that? Something very wrong with them, they need to be locked up."