Thief targets tourists in Garden District

NEW ORLEANS, LA (WVUE) - Two tourist admiring homes in the Garden District were held up at gunpoint in the afternoon on Labor Day.

Police said the thief made off with purses after holding up the two women near the corner of Philip and Camp streets.

"It's a little concerning, because it's gonna hurt tourism and people will be less likely to come to New Orleans, and it's such a beautiful city and it has so much culture and so many things to offer," said Marissa Roberts, who lives on the north shore.

But it might be the beauty of the city that's drawing people back - despite the crime.

"We don't have any data to suggest that crime is cancelling people's trips to the city, but we all know the more lawless a city becomes the less attractive it is for tourists and citizens alike," said Kristian Sonnier with the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

That's echoed by people who've traveled across the world to visit New Orleans.

"It's so beautiful here, and I don't think it's more dangerous than other places. Robbers will be everywhere, so I don't care, we're just gonna have fun and hope for the best," said German tourist Nicole Sigel.

"I think even if we were robbed, it's still worth going because of the culture and what New Orleans is offering. It's got a great culture, it's got great sites, it's always worth going," said German tourist Nina Rotermund.

Police are still looking for the thief. If you have information that could help police, contact Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.

Copyright 2015 WVUE. All rights reserved.