On October 28, 2016, a number of residents in the Seventh District experienced a rude awakening.
Between 2:42 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. that Friday morning, 15 vehicle burglaries were reported. Fourteen of the ransacked and burglarized cars were unlocked.
The incidents took place in the 10600 and 11600 blocks of Hayne Boulevard; the 8000 block of Haney Drive; 7700 block of Lady Gray Street; 7700 block of Lafourche Street; 8000 block of Arcadia Lane; 7500 block of Forest Glen Road; 7900 block of Unity Drive; 7500 block of Marquis Street; and the first block of North Oak Ridge Court. Two auto burglaries occurred in the 7600 block Lehigh Street and two more in the first block of Honeysuckle Lane.
In an incident that occurred in the 7500 block of Forest Glen Road, thieves smashed the rear window of 2013 Chevy Equinox SUV with a cinder block and took such items as an iPad, two pairs of Michael Kors shoes, two pairs of Steve Madden shoes, and a Coach wallet and organizer.
“These types of crimes are simply crimes of opportunity,” said Lawrence Dupree, NOPD Seventh District Commander. “If thieves see an easy way to gain entry to your vehicle, your home or your business they will take advantage of every opportunity. We want to help residents stay safe and maintain control of their property, so we’re sharing some tips to help deter future auto burglaries or thefts.”
To help deter auto burglaries and thefts, NOPD recommends following these safety tips:
- Lock the doors
- Close windows and sunroofs
- Don’t leave valuables such as laptops, cell phones, wallets, purses or GPS devices in plain view
- Put away the garage door opener and any items with personal information
- Move valuables to the trunk before reaching your destination
- Don’t leave keys in the vehicle
If you have any information or surveillance video related to the incidents listed above please contact a Seventh District detective at 504-658-6070. Citizens with information that can help solve crimes are asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free 1-877-903-STOP.