NEW ORLEANS - As the City Council presses forward to reimburse crime victims for paying towing costs to recover their stolen vehicles, new data shows the gravity of the issue.
This week, Council President Helena Moreno received data from the Orleans Parish Communications District (OPCD) that shows 1640 stolen vehicles have been towed away by private companies since 2019. The state law prohibiting crime victims from being charged to recover property stolen or used as evidence in crime was enacted in 2017. The data kept by OPCD only goes back to 2019.
The Council President will move forward with her legislation Thursday to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to create a process to reimburse victims but will ask for another Budget Committee hearing on the level of funding necessary to meet the possible demand of reimbursement.
"The number of stolen vehicles called in to be towed away by private companies is much greater than anticipated," said President Moreno. "I can only assume that the owners of these stolen vehicles were asked to pay out of pocket to get their cars back. As I've repeatedly stated, that's illegal, and the Council will ensure the City takes the steps to correct."
"This is beyond disturbing," said Councilmember Morrell. "For the NOPD and the City to callously disregard the plight of victims is unacceptable. This should never have happened, and, unfortunately, this administration is forcing the Council to legislate common sense."
"It is unacceptable that victims of these crimes are being victimized twice - first when their vehicle is stolen, and again when they have to pay to get it back," said District "A" Councilmember Joe Giarrusso. "This is the first step to helping some victims receive the justice they deserve."
The New Orleans City Council will be back to in-person meetings beginning this Thursday at 10 AM. Anyone entering Council Chambers will need to wear a mask. Public comment is allowable in person or online.
