Break-ins at sewer plant cause city to take action

By: CARISSA HEBERT

Managing Editor

There have been numerous break-ins at the sewer plant in Ville Platte, and Mayor Bill Jeanmard has taken steps to prevent further damage at the plant.

Several juveniles have been charged by the Ville Platte Police Department, according to Chief Neal Lartigue in regards to the break-ins at the plant.

Jeanmard said the juveniles were very young, and they have entered the plant at least four times. They turned things off, unplugged things, smashed windows, etc. over the weekend when no one was at the plant.

“We are pursuing the recovery of damages there,” he said. He said approximately $5,000 of damages were done at the plant. He said most of the juveniles were between eight and 13 years of age. “Charges have been filed with the district attorney.”

A silent alarm and camera have been added to the plant’s structure. Jeanmard said he is concerned not only in regards to the damages and costs but also for these juveniles’ safety. “There are dangerous chemicals there,” he said.

Jeanmard encourages residents who see juveniles or anyone who should not be in the area to report them to the police department.