Detroit neighborhood complains about possible squatters using illegal energy hookup

DETROIT (FOX 2) - A Detroit neighborhood is asking for help after spotting a possible squatting situation in their area. This comes nearly three years after residents needed help to remove what they called a "junkyard."

Big picture view:

Back in 2023, residents were upset when a renter used the front lawn to house all sorts of items, from tires to furniture. So when they believed that some alleged squatting was taking place, they called FOX 2.

Residents on Faust called the FOX 2 Problem Solvers once again when they saw alleged squatting at two houses on their block and what they believed to be an illegal energy hookup.

The FOX 2 Problem Solvers called the City of Detroit and DTE. A short time later, DTE had a crew on site working to address the issue.

They also released a statement which reads in part:

"DTE Energy has addressed reports of energy theft at two vacant properties on Faust Street. DTE takes energy theft seriously and acts promptly to protect safety and grid reliability."

Dig deeper:

The City of Detroit sent police to the street to investigate and told FOX 2 how it works to resolve issues like this one.

"I can understand why these residents are frustrated. This should not have occurred. These two houses are in poor condition," said Bryan Peckinpaugh from the Detroit Department of Neighborhoods. "There are safety issues, and the people who are occupying them should not be in there, so we’re going to wrap our arms around the folks who are in the houses and make sure they get housing assistance."

The city will also work to address the blighted property.

"Early next week we’ll have wraparound services and a coordinated response from public works to make sure we take care of the property and have the law department reach out to the owners," said Peckinpaugh.