Detroit Kicks Off Angels' Night Campaign
City officials are urging Detroit residents to be vigilant about monitoring their neighborhoods heading into the annual Angels' Night anti-arson campaign. This year, as many as 50,000 people are expected to take part.
Mayor Dave Bing, Police Chief Ralph Godbee and Fire Commissioner James Mack will outline meet with volunteers Friday to outline the city's plans for the upcoming three-day Halloween period, October 29-31.
With thousands of vacant structures in the city, Bing admitted he is a little worried.
"Oh, I'm concerned. No doubt about it. And, we're going to do everything that we can to try to make sure that we beat last year's totals, because they [arson fires] were down significantly, and hopefully we be down again this year," Bing said.
About 30,000 people took part last year's effort. The city said 119 fires were reported over the three days, down from 136 in 2008.
Bing said community effort is needed to make Angels' Night a success.
"That is going to be the key. And, think based on the forums that we had, that were surprisingly well-attended...people seem to be coming to the table, getting engaged and understanding that this is our city and the only way we'll make it a really great city is for everybody to get involved," Bing said.
Detroit officials are promising strict enforcement of curfews for teenagers and how gasoline is purchased during the three-night campaign.
On Oct. 29 and Oct. 30, those 17 and younger are not allowed on city streets without a parent or guardian between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. the next day. On Oct. 31, those 15 years old and younger have to be indoors between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the next day. The Oct. 31 curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds is 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Parents of violators could face fines of $50 to $500.
From Oct. 28-31, gas stations only may allow fuel to be pumped in approved containers.
The theme of this year's volunteer campaign is "Watch Your Block.'' For ideas on how you can participate, visit this link. Or, you can call the Angels' Night Volunteer Hotline at (313) 224-4415.
More than 800 fires were started in 1984, the height of what then was known as Devils' Night.
(Copyright 2010 WWJ Radio. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
