Shocking moment brazen thieves break into apartment complex and steal heartbreaking item from grieving aunt
Two brazen thieves stole a bicycle and a package of human ashes from an apartment complex in crime-ridden New Orleans.
The two unidentified suspects were captured on camera walking into an apartment complex on Dauphine Street on July 18. One of them can be seen pushing Katrina Brees’ decorated tricycle out, then spotting a package on a chair and taking it as well.
The simple-looking package contained the ashes of a tenant’s niece, she said. WWLTV.
“I saw them look at my package, look at it again before they left and took it as an afterthought,” said the tenant, who asked to remain anonymous.
The footage shows the suspect, dressed in a white shirt, walking into the building and looking around.
Finally, he lets the second suspect, who is wearing a blue suit, into the building.
The two unidentified suspects were captured on camera walking into an apartment complex on Dauphine Street on July 18
One of the suspects is shown riding a decorated tricycle outside, before noticing a package on a chair and taking it as well. “I saw them look at my package, take a second look at it before they leave and take it as an afterthought,” the victim said.
The front door of the building is locked, neighbors say, and they believe the brazen thieves followed a mailman inside.
The New Orleans Police Department said on Thursday that it is still looking for the suspects.
The theft has raised concerns among residents like Brees, she said, as it is not the first time her complex has been targeted.
“When I saw it happen, I panicked and it lasted for days,” she told WWLTV. “It’s been plaguing our building for a long time.”
In November, five more decorated bicycles were taken from the lobby, Brees said.
The front door of the building is locked, said neighbors, who thought the brazen thieves followed a mailman inside
The theft has left residents fearful, as one victim said it’s not the first time the complex has been targeted
New Orleans police are still searching for the suspects
The Krewe of Kolossos launched a GoFundMe page to replace the missing bicycles, known for their use during Mardi Gras celebrations.
“The thieves took the trikes that were still working and left behind trikes that were largely non-functional and in need of repair. With the best of our trikes gone and the remains in need of repair, we need financial help to rebuild them,” the fundraisers wrote.
They estimate the cost per bike will be around $700 and it will take 50 to 100 hours to make the bike.