(The Center Square) — Shreveport Police arrested six more offenders for squatting over the weekend, according to a report sent out by the department.
The six arrests were made on August 26, 27, 28 and September 1.
After the ASK BLUE initiative and squatting ordinance took effect earlier this year, the department has cracked down on squatters. ASK BLUE is an acronym for Addressing Squatters Knowledgeably with Bold Legal Unified Efforts.
“The Shreveport Police Department remains committed to addressing quality-of-life issues in our community, including the ongoing problem of squatting and squatter-related offenses,” the department said in a news release. “Our officers have been actively enforcing the city’s new squatting ordinance to ensure neighborhoods remain safe and secure.”
These six arrests bring the number to 70 or more since April. In an August recent update from Police Chief Wayne Smith, there were 64 squatter arrests in total – two in North Shreveport, 32 in the Highland area, 21 in West Shreveport and nine in South Shreveport.
The Center Square reached out to the department for the total number of squatting arrests year-to-date, but did not hear back before publication.
Ordinance 18 and the initiative took effect at the beginning of April with a three-phase plan. Phase one involved community engagement and a public awareness campaign. Phase two focused on investigation and enforcement. The final phase, happening now, focuses on arrests and increased patrols in heavily affected areas.
“The Shreveport Police Department will continue proactive enforcement of trespassing and squatting laws to protect property owners and preserve the safety of our neighborhoods,” the department said.