New hotline created to report vandalism to vacant buildings

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Common Council approved on Tuesday, May 22nd, a resolution directing the Department of Public Works to create a tip hotline for reporting vandalism to vacant buildings.

The resolution was sponsored by Alderpersons Willie Wade, Milele Coggs and Ashanti Hamilton.

In a news release, Alderman Wade said: "Vandalism to vacant buildings should be a top concern of all city residents and stakeholders, because there is a direct and significant relationship between the vandalizing of vacant buildings and increased calls for police services, higher incidence of fires (both accidental and intentional), and a steady decline and disinvestment in neighborhoods."

Callers who phone in information to the (WeTIP) hotline number – 1-800-78-CRIME – may be eligible for cash rewards if the information provided leads to an arrest and conviction.

In April, the Common Council okayed an ordinance which levels a penalty of up to $5,000 for someone convicted of vandalizing a vacant building and causing more than $500 damage to the property.

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