SLIDELL, La. — Slidell’s biggest parade night of the year is about to get underway, as the Krewe of Selene prepares to roll at 6:30 p.m. starting in front of Salmen High School. The Krewe is promising new attractions for its always-big crowd and police say they have dealt with a crime concern that popped up during the area’s first parade weekend.
Over a span of three days beginning with the Krewe of Titans parade, the Slidell Police Department says 9 cars were broken into near the routes. Five of them were stolen and some were later used in other burglaries.
“As the people were watching these parades the suspects would scan the parking lots looking for their ideal vehicle of choice, they would bust out the back window and within seconds they were off with a new set of wheels,” said Sgt. Jake Morris with Slidell PD.
After connecting the thefts to other crimes across the Northshore and in Mississippi, investigators arrested two 15-year-old boys last Sunday. “They wreaked havoc,” said Sgt. Morris.
Now, he is promising a safe route, with officers from Slidell and beyond out across the route. He still urges drivers to be careful, though, by locking their cars and making sure valuables are not visible from the window.
Ahead of the big night, riders for the Krewe of Selene spent hours Friday morning packing a hefty amount of throws onto their two dozen floats. “We have so many throws because we’re expecting record crowds,” said Float Lieutenant Lynn Gordon.
The all-female Krewe of Selene was founded in 1996. Since then, it has grown to about 350 members, said President Traci Plaisance. “We are extremely proud of what we have built here,” she added.
The parade begins at Salmen High at 6:30. It will then head north down Pontchartrain Drive. As Slidell’s last float parade of the season, it always expects a lot of spectators.
“This is Mardi Gras day for the people in Slidell,” said Gordon.
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