Civilians suffered horribly during the Revolutionary War. They endured shortages of food and other products, and their lives were disrupted by the fighting and movement of armies. In addition, both the British and American forces often plundered or stole from civilians. General George Washington tried to prevent looting by his sotldiers, but American troops did occasionally plunder the homes, farms, and businesses of British sympathizers, known as Tories. For instance, Tory properties in Norfolk, Virginia, were looted and burned by rebel forces in January 1776 after the British withdrew from the area. More than 800 buildings were destroyed by the Americans. Meanwhile, the British often actively encouraged their troops to take money, property, and livestock from the Americans, who were perceived as rebels and traitors. The theft and destruction of property was seen as one way of depriving American forces of food and supplies.