With the power still out due to Hurricane Ida’s wrath and a curfew in place from dusk until dawn, St. John the Baptist Sheriff Mike Tregre said those with dishonorable intentions might find conditions to be less than ideal for their nefarious activities. And should they get themselves into trouble, help will be scarce.
Tregre spoke at Gov. John Bel Edwards’s press conference about storm damage and said the communications lines for 9-1-1 are not currently very reliable. And an inability to call for police assistance could lead residents to deal with intruders in their own way.
“Most of the residents can’t call us which means they’re probably going to take matters into their own hands. You may be the one needing 911. That‘s what I’m trying to say in the most polite terms I can say.”
Tregre also reminded people that there is no reason to be out and about once the sun goes down.
“When it gets dark, do not be on the streets of St. John Parish. There is nothing out here for you to do. My jail is empty. You’re going to be in there by yourself. We’re not having it.”
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Tregre also took the opportunity to warn those with damage to their homes to protect themselves against those who put the “con” in contractor.
“If somebody comes to your house saying they’re going to fix this or they’re going to fix that, do not give any money up front,” Tregre said. “And whoever does come to your house, I want you to do law enforcement a favor - not just St. John but the whole state - take a picture of them and take a picture of their vehicle and their license plate. Do not let yourself become a victim of not only Ida but the greedy people out here that’s going to try to take advantage of you.”
You can listen to Tregre's full statement here: