FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Detective Brian McGregor

Email: bmcgregor@kennerpd.com

Office: (504) 712-2252

Date: May 6, 2009

Kenner Police Arrest Theft Suspects

Kenner - On Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at approximately 1:15 p.m., the Kenner Police Department responded to a theft complaint at the Wal-Mart Grocery Store, located at 3520 Williams Boulevard, Kenner. Upon meeting with the victim it was learned that while shopping, the victim was distracted by a male subject who asked for assistance. While occupying the victim’s attention a second suspect removed the victim’s wallet from inside an open diaper bag left in a grocery cart. While officers were speaking to the victim who was in the process of canceling her credit cards, it was learned that the victim’s credit card was being used to make purchases at the Dillard’s Main Store and Men’s Store, at the Esplanade Mall, located at 1401 West Esplanade Avenue, Kenner.

Upon officers responding to the Esplanade Mall they encountered, Gregory Banks, 48, who provided the address of 2337 Chippewa Street, New Orleans, and Delinda McClain, 26, who provided the address of 426 27^th Street, Kenner. Upon Banks and McClain observing officers they immediately fled on foot. McClain was captured and detained in the parking lot of the Esplanade Mall. Banks fled into the 3200 block of Arkansas Street and kicked a shed door in the rear yard of a residence while attempting to elude police who were pursuing him on foot. Banks then jumped a fence into a neighboring yard and entered a boat in the rear yard of the residence. Banks resisted arrest by engaging in a physical altercation with officers who were attempting to detain him. Banks was eventually subdued by utilizing a taser.

Banks was arrested and charged with the crimes of theft, unauthorized use of a credit card, attempted theft, principal to unauthorized use of a credit card, principal to theft, resisting an officer and arrest, and two counts of simple criminal damage to property and criminal trespassing. Banks was found to have an extensive criminal history for similar offenses.

McClain was arrested and charged with the crimes of theft, unauthorized use of an access card, attempted theft, and attempted unauthorized use of an access card. At the time of arrest, McClain was on probation for the crime of aggravated battery until 3/11/2010.

During the investigation it was also learned that on August 21, 2008, Banks had been arrested by Kenner Police after he was identified as the person who removed a wallet from a victim’s purse at the Olive Garden Restaurant, located at 1315 West Esplanade Avenue, Kenner. He then attempted to use the victim’s bank debit card and Visa credit card at the Office Depot, located at 3408 Williams Boulevard, Kenner. Not being able to utilize the credit cards due to the victim immediately notifying her card issuers, Banks then presented a check belonging to the victim to be drawn on the victim’s account. In the August incident, Banks was charged with the crimes of theft and identity theft.

The investigation is ongoing due to a similar complaint filed with Kenner Police on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. In April, a female victim was inside the Wal-Mart, located at 300 West Esplanade Avenue, in Kenner. While shopping a female distracted the victim, while a male subject approached and removed the victims wallet from an open purse left in a grocery cart.

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.

Gregory Banks Delinda McClain

Tips for Keeping Safe While Out Shopping

In an on-going effort to keep you and other citizens safe, please review the shopping safety tips provided below. Remember, crime prevention begins with each of us paying closer attention to our surroundings and asking for help when it is needed.

· Park in well lit areas within close distance to the store or mall you are visiting.

· Try to do your shopping in during daylight hours if possible.

· Never carry large amounts of cash.

· Only Bring the personal identification and form of payment you need with you.

· Don’t carry your ATM or other debit card personal identification numbers.

Know your surroundings. Keep an eye on the people in front of you as well as behind you.
Try not to carry too many packages. Place all packages out of sight in your vehicle, preferably in the trunk.
Keep your vehicle doors locked and your windows shut.
If you see anything suspicious or if something just doesn't feel right, leave immediately and contact security or the police.

· Let someone know where you are going shopping and what time you are expected to return.

· Shop with a friend.

· If you believe you are being followed, find a security guard or store manager and notify them of your concerns.

By using some of these simple crime prevention strategies, we can continue to work together to prevent crime and keep our citizens safe.

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