City attorney pledges crackdown on metal thieves

Flint City Attorney Peter Bade spoke at the Potter Longway Neighborhood Association meeting April 18 about steps the city is taking to put an end to the scrap metal thefts and the May 3 millage election to reopen the city jail.

"The city is taking a comprehensive approach to the scrap metal theft problem that is out of control," Bade said. "Scrap yards are the key to solving the problem. When a scrap yard purchases a manhole cover with 'City of Flint' stamped on it, that scrap yard is putting a person's life at risk."

Bade explained that when manhole covers are missing there's a risk for a child — or any person — falling into the manhole. He explained scrap yards in the city cannot legally purchase metal without a permit from the city.

"We're tightening our ordinances," Bade continued.

"It's a felony in the state of Michigan to accept stolen scrap metal," he added.

Bade thanked the neighborhood group for being the eyes and ears for the Flint Police Department in reporting incidences of scrap metal theft. He said that his office is working with the Citizens Nuisance Task Force, the Michigan State Police and the police department to shut down any illegal operations in scrap yards.

"We need to stop these thieves cold in their tracks," Bade said.

"There are two criminals in these thefts," President Rob Gill said. "The guy who steals it and the owner of the scrap yard that buys it."

Bade asked for support for the upcoming two-mill proposal to reopen the city jail on the May 3 ballot.

"We need a stiffer sentence than a ticket for a court appearance," Bade said. "Police want the lockup. It's detrimental to police morale to let these guys go. A 72-hour lockup can defuse a situation and prevent further violence," he said.

"A jail stay stops the situation from escalating," said City Councilman Josh Freeman (Ward 4).

Members asked Bade why increasing the number of police officers wasn't a better option.

"These alleged offenders need to be off the streets until they have a hearing," Bade said.

The was a discussion about who should pay for the jail stay.

"Why not make the offender pay for his jail time — if convicted?" a member asked.

Bade said he favored that idea and would look into it.

"You ought to throw some bars on the Genesee Towers and use it for a city jail," another member said.

"The history of the city jail is not good. There have been lawsuits related to it. That's why it was closed," said Mike Tobias. "I don't see how a 72-hour lockup can help. It hasn't in the past."

Bade also addressed the two-mill proposal for additional police officers on the same ballot. He said the additional officers would be used to answer the priority one calls — not for community policing.

In other matters Freeman talked about the 2011-2012 fiscal budget.

"We've lost $20 million from our revenue base in just a few years," Freeman said.

He encouraged members to attend the budget hearing on April 25 at the City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall to review the $47 million budget presented by the mayor.

David Caswell provided a live demonstration of Code Red, an electronic criminal alert system.

Vice President Eric Pruitt said that 17 members are using Code Red and provided information for others to register.

A Longway Park cleanup is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 30.

The group will meet next at 7 p.m. May 16 at Eastwood United Methodist Church, 3312 Whittier St.