FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Detective Brian McGregor

Email: bmcgregor@kennerpd.com

Office: (504) 712-2252

Date: June 26, 2009

Metairie burglary suspects linked to Kenner vehicle burglaries

Kenner –Three suspects arrested for a burglary ring by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office have been arrested for five vehicle burglaries that occurred in the City of Kenner. Leslie Duffina, 22, and Charles White 17, who provided the home address of 2742 Richland Street, in Kenner, and Roman Nunez, 17, who provided the home address of 3041 Jasper Street, Kenner, were arrested after it was determined that property recovered by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office belonged to victims who reported their vehicles burglarized in Kenner. Kenner Police Detective David Stromeyer interviewed Duffina, White and Nunez who confessed to their involvement in the vehicle burglaries.

Duffina, White and Nunez were arrested for five burglaries that occurred on June 15, 2009 (one vehicle burglary) and June 19, 2009 (four vehicle burglaries). The vehicle burglaries occurred in the 4200 block of Ole Miss Drive, 500 block of Yale Street, 500 block of East Temple, 500 block of East Louisiana State Drive and 400 block of Furman Drive. In each incident the suspects entered unlocked vehicles and removed wallets, radios, GPS systems, CD’s and tools from within the vehicles.

Nunez and White were each charged with five counts of simple burglary. Duffina was charged with three counts of simple burglary and two counts of principal to simple burglary. Nunez was additionaly charged with one count of theft for stealing a bicycle left outside a residence where one of the vehicle burglaries occurred.

Duffina, White and Nunez remain in custody of the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.

Chief Steve Caraway urges anyone with information concerning these incidents to call the Kenner Police Department at (504)712-2222 or Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.

Kenner Police Detective David Stromeyer is in charge of the investigation.

Leslie Duffina Roman Nunez Charles White

Chief Caraway offers the following tips in protecting you vehicle and belongings:

TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOU CAR AND BELONGINGS

· If you have a garage, use it. Most auto burglars do not want to break into a garage in order to gain access to your vehicle.

· If possible, park your vehicle in public view in an attended parking lot. During nighttime hours, park your vehicle in a well-lit area.

· Do not leave your vehicle unlocked and unattended. A thief only needs a few seconds to open the door and grab any loose items.

· Make sure your vehicle windows are rolled up and/or secured.

· Do not leave valuables in plain sight. These items only attract the attention of a burglar looking for an easy target. If you must leave valuable items inside your vehicle, lock them inside the trunk. DO NOT leave your purse, wallet, briefcase, GPS or laptop computer inside your vehicle.

· Install and use an auto alarm system. The system may not prevent a burglar from breaking into you vehicle, however, it attracts unwanted attention and scares many thieves off before they have a chance to steal anything.

· Consider installing a pullout stereo or stereo featuring a detachable face. Take the stereo or faceplate with you when you leave your vehicle unattended.

· Record the make, model and serial numbers of your stereo, amplifier, speakers and any other electronic devices installed in your vehicle. Consider using an engraver to mark these items with a personal identification number or your driver’s license number.