火か事じ場ば泥どろ棒ぼう

noun

looter at a fire scene; thief who steals during a fire

Specifically a person who steals from homes or buildings while a fire is in progress, exploiting the chaos.

• 火か事じ場ば泥どろ棒ぼうが燃もえている家いえから金きん品ぴんを盗ぬすんだ。

  A looter stole valuables from the burning house.

noun

opportunistic criminal during a disaster; someone who exploits a crisis to commit crimes

Extended figurative use: a person who takes advantage of any chaotic situation (not only fire) to commit theft or other crimes.

• 震しん災さいの混こん乱らんに乗じょうじて火か事じ場ば泥どろ棒ぼうのような行こう為いをする者ものがいる。

  There are people who act like looters, taking advantage of the confusion after an earthquake.