Mardi Gras 2007 was a great success by most standards. But, violence surrounding the end of Mardi Gras and during Ash Wednesday, four shootings in New Orleans in less than a day, certainly tarnished Mardi Gras' affect for both tourists and locals a like.

Since the incidence of violent crime seemed to escalate during the end of the festivities, do you believe that the distraction of Mardi Gras activities kept criminals focused on it's merriment, instead of committing crime?

- Darlene Cusanza

Executive Director

Crimestoppers

You can be a Crimestopper by telling us what’s happening in your neighborhood. Add a comment and let us know what’s working in your neighborhood, and what still needs to be done.

We’re hoping to post your comments, and invite guest bloggers to keep us posted on what’s happening in their neighborhoods. Together, we can help create safer communities.

Crimestoppers has seen unprecedented success in the past few weeks. Since the announcement of the partnership between WDSU NewsChannel 6 and Crimestoppers, nearly half of the suspects featured in the recent, most-wanted campaign have been arrested.  

Thanks to the tips called in to Crimestoppers by ordinary citizens, some of the most violent suspects wanted in our area are now off our streets.  Thousands of dollars in cash awards have been given to those who had the courage to do the right thing.  For their sense of duty, they have been rewarded.  Callers do not have to give their name.  They do not have to testify in court to get the cash.  

Please continue to support the efforts of Crimestoppers and our local law enforcement agencies.

- Kriss Fairbairn / WDSU NewsChannel 6 Anchor

Crimestoppers is probably the very best crime-fighting tool we have at our disposal.  Many of the crimes we solve are because of leads given to us by Crimestoppers.

Now, Crimestoppers has agreed to collect tips, not only on crimes that have already been committed, but also from people who suspect people in their neighborhood may commit future crimes.

Crimestoppers will now pass along those tips to law enforcement too. Do you think this will help?

- Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee

Crimestoppers offers citizens a safe vehicle to report crime anonymously. 

Yet, we are saddened when we hear victims' families talk about letting street justice, not law enforcement, handle their loved one's crime. 

What can we do to break this cycle? What can we do to help families understand Crimestoppers can help?

Darlene Cusanza

Executive Director

Crimestoppers