March 9, 2004

Contact: Ian Michaels (718) 595-6600

DEP Offers $1,000 Reward for Information on Bias Crimes

Commissioner Christopher O. Ward announced today that the City of New York Department of Environmental Protection Police are offering a $1000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of subject or subject(s) responsible for the spray painting of “swastikas” on three road signs in the West Hurley area of the Town of Hurley. Information regarding this incident can be called in via the NYC DEP Police Hotline at (888) 426-7433.

“These are bias crimes which the DEP will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law,” said Commissioner Ward. “The incident has been reported to the New York State Police and the Ulster County Sheriff and is currently being investigated by the DEP Police. Anyone with information should report it to the DEP Police immediately.”

All suspicious activity that may threaten the water supply should be reported to the DEP Police Hotline at (888) 426-7433 or (888) H2O-SHED.