Police officers speak at East Side meeting

Flint Police Officers Terry Neeley and Michelle Tucker talked about metal thieves at the East Side Business Association meeting Oct. 12. Neeley and Tucker are the only officers primarily responsible for arresting people for stealing metal.

"We get about 15 calls a day during our shift," Tucker said. "We respond to each call — unless we get a priority one call. Then someone else may have to pick up the assignment," Tucker continued.

The pair was assigned the detail about two months ago after the Citizens Nuisance Task Force and the Genesee County Landlords' Association put pressure on City Hall.

A member of the Citizens Nuisance Task Force showed the officers a photo of a heap of metal in a local junkyard with sewer covers and grates clearly marked, "City of Flint." The photo was taken by an independent contractor called to the junkyard by its owners because the machine being used to break down metal was broken.

"I believe, according to state law, that buying stolen city property is a felony punishable by 10 years in prison," David Caswell said. "How do people get the police involved in this matter?"

The officers said that the picture should be taken to the city's detective bureau where an investigation would begin.

Frustrated landlords asked the officers what happens to those arrested for metal theft.

"Do you just slap their hands and tell them not to do it anymore?" a landlord asked.

"We are not involved in punishment," Tucker said. "It's our job to make the arrest. What happens after that is a matter of law. With no jail available offenders usually get a court appearance ticket."

The officers said that the vehicles of those arrested with stolen metal are seized.

"If we arrest them we impound their truck," Neeley said. "We have seized about 10 trucks so far. Only two were forfeited."

Dale Scanlon said he was under the impression that all those who were arrested for metal theft lost their vehicles.

Neeley said that in some cases the vehicles were returned to the offenders. But usually there are other factors — the vehicle lacks proper registration or plates or may be stolen — that compound charges.

Members of the Genesee County Landlords Association asked what they could do to help the police.

"Can the police do a sting operation, like the Sheriff's Department did last weekend, to catch the scrap yards that are buying stolen metal?" a member asked.

The officers explained to the group some things to do that will reduce their risks.

"If the home is vacant make it look like someone lives there. Keep the yard mowed, no papers in the yard and keep a light on."

Asked what to do when you witness a suspected theft, Tucker said that calling 911 is the first priority.

"You can call anonymously," she said. "Make sure you get a good description of the offenders and the make and model of their vehicle. Also, getting the license plate number is important."