NEW ORLEANS — It was Thursday, July 18 when police say two suspects allegedly entered an apartment complex on Dauphine Street in the Bywater and stole a bike and a package.
“I watched them look at my package, give it a second glance before leaving, and pick it up as an afterthought,” one resident said.
According to one resident, the package stolen was carrying her niece’s ashes.
“I watched them come in and take what they wanted,” the resident said.
A few doors down, Katrina Brees claims her bike was stolen by the same men. NOPD released photos of the suspects. Brees says she gave NOPD her door bell camera video, then gave it to WWL Louisiana.
The neighbors said the doors to their complex stay locked, but think the suspects followed the mailman inside.
“Seeing it happen just filled my body with panic that lasted for days,” Brees said.
Brees says her bike was more than just a way to get around, it’s her ride in the Krewe of Kolossos, just the latest in a string of Krewe Bike thefts.
Back in November, five others were taken from the same apartment lobby.
“It has really been plaguing our building for a long time,” Brees said.
At the end of the day, Brees says what was taken from her can be replaced, but what was taken from her neighbor can’t be.
“It’s devastating for her. I can’t believe that happened,” Brees said.
NOPD says they are still investigating the incident.
The Krewe of Kolossos is holding a fundraiser to help replace their missing art bikes. To give to their GoFundMe, click here.
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