NEW ORLEANS – Dozens of Lakeview residents woke up Tuesday morning to find their cars stolen from their driveways.
The New Orleans Police Department said it is investigating at least nine burglaries between the 6400 and 6900 blocks of Louisville Street and another burglary in the 6600 block of nearby Vicksburg Street, but residents say dozens of vehicles were involved.
Home security video showed a group of people being followed by a car walking down the street just before midnight, shining flashlights on the vehicles.
For resident Nick Karl, it was the third time property had been stolen from his car. This time, he said, they stole two of his family’s cars. With three windows to replace, Karl estimates it will cost him nearly $1,000.
“I guess it comes from living in New Orleans,” he said.
Another victim, Louis Oubre, said he considers himself lucky it was only a property crime.
“Thank God we are safe…” he said. “It’s more of a hassle and a hassle to deal with.”
Lakeview resident David Rodrigue said the gathering of people sweeping and taking stock reminded him of life after a hurricane.
“We all got together and talked about it,” he said. “It looked like people were cleaning their cars after a flood.”
At a press conference for the upcoming French Quarter Festival on Tuesday, city officials addressed car break-ins and how to prevent them.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell reminded city residents to keep their cars locked and free of all belongings, especially weapons. He also mentioned NOPD decoy cars as a tactic to fight property crime.
“These criminals need to be aware. There are decoy cars out there. You might be going to the wrong one,” Cantrell said.
Acting NOPD Superintendent Michelle Woodfork told the public that the NOPD will be on the lookout during the festival season in hopes of curbing burglaries. He also encouraged residents to use carpool services to help the efforts.
“If possible, rideshare, take RTA. There are different ways to get down downtown and into the French Quarter area,” Woodfork said.
Lakeview residents said Tuesday’s robberies appeared to be well-organized and widespread.
“We need to step up patrols and the people who live in the neighborhood need to be more alert,” said neighbor Jude Voltz.
Oubre agreed: “I know crime is going to happen, there’s going to be burglary and auto theft, but it seems like it’s happening more than it should be.”
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