NEW ORLEANS — The crime wave that hit New
Orleans after Hurricane Katrina shows little sign of abating, more than
two years after city officials said taming the outbreak was among their
top priorities.The rates of killings and most types of property
crime have kept pace with the city's population increase, according to
police records. Sporadic violence also marred the city's famed Mardi
Gras celebration since Saturday, with at least nine people wounded by
gunshots, including some that were fired near a parade route Tuesday. Recent crime figures show that the number of
thefts reported in the first 10 months of 2007 was 51% higher than the
same period in 2006; the number of robberies increased 54%, according
to police records. Such crimes are increasing despite an aggressive
federal, state and city campaign that includes patrols by the National
Guard and state police. For instance, more than 1,000 officers, state
troopers and National Guardsmen were positioned along Mardi Gras parade
routes this year. Among the reasons for continuing problems:FIND MORE STORIES IN: New Orleans | Hurricane Katrina | Mardi Gras | Hurricane | Michael Andrews | Crime Wave
•Turf wars between drug dealers who are vying for a smaller pool of users. An overwhelming number of killings revolve around selling and buying drugs, police spokesman Sgt. Joe Narcisse said.
•Burglars taking advantage of near-empty neighborhoods to steal lumber and copper wiring from half-built homes. SOURCE OF THIS STORY
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