New Orleans: The people of Village de L’est Estates spoke through a Peace Walk calling attention to all the recent violence happening in their community just off Michoud Boulevard in New Orleans East. The walk organized by Mary Queen of Vietnam Church along Dwyer.
“Since the beginning of this year within the last two weeks, we have had a lot of seniors’ homes burglarized. One senior living down the street from my house was burglarized on the 7th and the 11th of January. They came into her rooftop twice,” Lang Le, an organizer, said.
“I have been living in this area since 1976. About 45 years. This year is the worst crime to happen in this area,” said Michael Nguyen, a resident of Village de L’est Estates.
The area is predominantly Vietnamese American. Residents said they are being burglarized and robbed in broad daylight.
One resident was even tied up as thieves took her belongings.
“They waited for her. Tied her up. She had just got some money from out of the bank for the holidays. Now she is frightened. Her children just came and took her to Atlanta with them,” Le said.
Margaret Nguyen said nearly two weeks ago her home was also burglarized. The house was still under construction after damage from Hurricane Ida. Now she said she fears for her safety.
“I was so disappointed. So many are hurricane victims. The people who broke in my house have no heart,” Nguyen said.
The community asking for more police presence-not just in their area but throughout New Orleans East.
“There is no police car patrol present. Once in a blue moon, you see a police car patrol. So criminals know there is no accountability and they can get away with this,” Nguyen said.
“I am just hoping that we have a safe place to live. Police need to be visible,” Le said.
Just a few blocks over along Adventure Avenue there was another peace walk, organized by New Orleans East Matters and What About the Victims.
NOPD along with several elected officials were out in the area to also call out for an end to gun violence in NOLA East.wdsu.com
