`Welcome to District Five

Businesses Beware
Of Mass Marketing Scams
Plenty of consumers have been fooled by mass marketing fraud schemes. Did you know that businesses are a target, too? Click this link to view.

BEWARE OF OPPORTUNITY SCAMS AIMED AT CHURCHES

According to the FTC, con artists are targeting African-American churches with so-called opportunity scams. Emphasizing a shared faith, culture, or concern for the community to win their trust, these scammers offer the opportunity to use equipment or services that supposedly won’t cost the church a thing. Their goal is to get access to your church’s bank account. For tips on how to avoid these scams, review this link:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt138.shtm.

How to Mantain A Secure Home

District Five has recently been experiencing an increasing trend of burglaries in its surrounding neighborhoods. Please click here to view a Community Bulletin offering tips on "How To Maintain A Secure Home".

Vehicle Theft Prevention

District Five has recently been experiencing an increasing trend of motor vehicle theft and theft from autos in its surrounding neighborhoods. Please click on the links below for more information.

• Vehicle Theft Prevention Guide
• Vehicle Theft Statistics

News Releases and Public Relations

Milwaukee's Most Wanted

New Burglar Alarm Web Page 

To view a copy of the new MPD burglar alarm web page, click this link:  www.milwaukee.gov/police.   

If you see a crime in progress or need to report an emergency, please call 911.

Do you think you might lose your home? You are not alone. Get the help you need at the on:

For questions or to jump start the process of getting help,call the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council at 414-921-1090.

The City of Milwaukee is committed to helping our neighborhoods remain healthy for generations to come. We are coordinating with various organizations, government agencies and private lenders and reaching out to homeowners facing foreclosure.

• Resources for Those Facing Foreclosure or Affected By Predatory Lending  

On the Beat Photo Gallery

OPERATION SAFE HAVEN

Safe Haven is a volunteer service for residents in the community to provide a "safe haven" for mail carriers who may be having trouble. Help safeguard our mail carriers from threats, robbery, assault, loose or vicious dogs, vandalism to postal vehicles, medical emergencies or accidents.

 For information on how to sign up, please contact, Andrea Kolinski, A/Safety Specialist

 PO Box 5021, Milwaukee, WI 53201, 414-287-1849, email: andrea.r.kolinski@usps.gov  

MAYOR TOM BARRETT CALLS ATTENTION TO NEW STATE LAW
THAT PROTECTS TENANT RIGHTS DURING FORECLOSURE

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is promoting a new state law that recently took effect that protects the rights of renters of foreclosed properties. 

• Landlords must provide written notice to tenants or prospective tenants when foreclosure action begins, and again when the deadline expires for the landlord to repay to avoid foreclosure
• Banks and financial institutions must provide written notice three times to current tenants of the property in foreclosure: when the foreclosure action begins, when the court issues a judgment, and when the property will be placed for sale. Failure to provide notice carries a $250 fine plus attorney fees.
• Tenants may stay in their rental residence up to two months following sale of the foreclosed property.
• If there is a security deposit, tenants can withhold rent and let the security deposit cover the last month before the foreclosure 'redemption' period expires. This means the time allowed for a property owner to stop the foreclosure from moving forward, a period that lasts between six to 12 months.
• Beginning June 6, the Wisconsin Circuit Court records cannot display information regarding a tenant eviction that was prompted by mortgage foreclosure.

After hearing horror stories of tenants losing money and being evicted because they were living in foreclosed properties, the City of Milwaukee requested a change in state law," Barrett said. "I am happy to see that changes have been made and that our residents now have greater rights to safe and secure rental housing during these difficult economic times."

Barrett credited members of the Milwaukee Foreclosure Partnership Initiative and members of the Wisconsin State Legislature for working to protect tenants' rights during the foreclosure process. State Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) and State Representative Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) were the lead sponsors of the legislation, which was included in the recent state budget and economic stimulus package. Minnesota and California have passed similar tenant protection laws.

Property owners (and renters) at risk from foreclosure are encouraged to visit The Milwaukeehousinghelp.org for referral information on housing counseling agencies, legal advice and more under the new law.