By Baileigh Rebowe

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Having recently restarted the neighborhood Crime Watch program, the Belle Terre Civic Association is stressing the importance of continuing safety in the Belle Terre area and urging “every resident in the parish to get involved” and act out against crime.

After being on hiatus since Hurricane Katrina, the program fired back up in May with a Neighborhood Crime Watch Kickoff, where local residents met with leaders in the parish and law enforcement on how to make the area safe. “Street teams” of crime watchers were established to keep an eye out for neighbors and the community. Members of the association said the event was definitely a success.

Newly added crime watch signs can now be seen heavily throughout Belle Terre as a reminder of the program and its commitment to protect, according to Rajender Pannu, president of the association.

Pannu said the only Belle Terre street without a sign is Carmel Valley Drive. The association is also working on expanding signage to other areas and to the Links subdivision.

“It’s a really slow start, but it’s a steady start,” said Pannu.

Crime Watch stickers and decals are currently being introduced into the program to further “spread the word.” The stickers will first be included in the July Newsletter to all members and then handed out from there.

“You see the signs and the stickers. You have the meetings and events. That all acts as a deterrent,” said Parish President Natalie Robottom. “At least they know you are out there.”

Pannu said she has received hardly any emails lately regarding crime or acts against neighbors.

The BTCA committee has started planning for the 28th annual St. John the Baptist Parish Night Out Against Crime sometime in the fall. The association will play a huge role in the event and hopes to have the same turnout as last year.

The BTCA welcomes new members to join the crime watch program and promises all names of group members and affiliates will remain confidential. If you or anyone you know has a crime tip or lead, please call Crimestoppers at 504-288-1111.