OAKLAND – This City of Oakland Thursday announced the launch of a new rewards program for witnesses who report illegal dumping, offering $100 or more if the report leads to a successful citation.

If the city collects civil penalties from the responsible party, witnesses will be eligible for half of that money or $100, whichever is greater. In the most egregious cases, penalties can be as much as $1,000 for each day the illegally dumped materials remain in place.

Oakland officials said in a 1 p.m. news conference that illegal dumping costs the city $5.5 million per year while adversely impacting property values and creating an environment of “blight and lawlessness” that can contribute to more serious violent crime, officials said.

“Illegal dumping detracts from the beauty of our city and negatively impacts the quality of life for residents whose neighborhoods are being turned into nasty dumping grounds,” Mayor Libby Schaaf said in a statement.

To obtain a reward, witnesses should report information about illegal dumping to the Oakland Public Works call center at (510) 615-5566. Information can be reported online at www.oaklandpw.com or via email at opwcallcenter@oaklandnet.com.

Officials said that reports should include the type and amount of debris being dumped, as well as the location. The most important information is typically the license plate numbers of any vehicles used in the act. Photos and videos are also helpful, but only when they can be obtained safely.

Anonymous tips will not qualify for a reward, and witnesses must provide a signed statement about the incident. If the report leads to hearings or judicial processes, witnesses will have to testify.

For more information about the program and eligibility requirements for a reward, go to www.oaklandpw.com.

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