RESOLUTION HONORING THE EFFORTS OF OPERATION HOT PIPE
WHEREAS, Operation Hot Pipe, a year-long investigation into illegal recycling center, resulting in the discovery and prosecution of the illegal purchase and resale of stolen metals parts at a recycling center, ended on April 1, 2015; and
WHEREAS, this esteemed body has been apprised of this accomplishments by Emma Mitts, Alderman of the 37th Ward; and
WHERAS, Operation Hot Pipe demonstrated swift and effective action from law enforcement, revealing many illegal thefts occurring across Chicago and in Schaumburg, creating an on-going theft problem affecting multiple communities; and
WHEREAS, the affects of these thefts on the community were economically detrimental due to the expensive replacement of the theft of catalytic converters, metal fences, and gutters, but also posed a safety risk due to the theft of protective sewer covers and other recyclable metals around the communities affected; and
WHEREAS, illegal recycling posed an additional environmental hazard due to the risk of spills of oil, transmission fluid, and other contaminants from auto parts brought to the facility without appropriate safety regulations; and
WHEREAS, the police seized approximately $320,000 and made multiple arrests at one recycling center, with the expectation that this effort will serve as a warning and send a message to other recyclers the consequences of purchasing stolen parts; and
WHEREAS, Operation Hot Pipe was a true team effort through the Bureau of Organized Crime, Vice/Asset Forfeiture Division, Narcotics Division, Drug and Gang House Prosecution Unit, Area North Detective Division, Chicago Major Auto Theft Investigations, Schaumburg Police Department, and the Cook County States Attorney's office; and
WHEREAS, the city of Chicago is immensely grateful for the professional contributions of these departments, and through the hard work and collaboration of many individuals, Chicago has been made a safer place and peace ...
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