'It is pollution': Man makes it his mission to take down hundreds of 'bandit signs' in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Signs labeled "We Buy Junk Cars" and "'We Buy Houses As Is & Pay Cash'' are all too common in big cities, but that doesn't mean they are allowed. One man in the Milwaukee area has made it his mission to take these so-called "bandit signs" down and spread awareness.

"I've lived in Milwaukee for years and it's a beautiful city...(but) it is personally offensive to me to see our public spaces used as advertising backgrounds for companies," said Al Lawson.

Lawson told CBS 58 News he teaches writing at a local college, but in his spare time he puts on his gloves, takes out his wire cutters and takes down bandit signs from public property. Many people might not actually know that it is illegal to post any of these signs in the city of Milwaukee.

"When I commute or when I drive places around Milwaukee, I'll look for the signs and I'll make note of where they are," he said.

He carries around a list of notable intersections to revisit at a later time. 

"The three biggest offenders in Milwaukee are house wholesalers, diabetes equipment purchasers and junk car buyers," he explained. "I have taken down about 1,000 signs since May."

He said the material tends to be non-recyclable, so he either takes them to the dump or gives them to individuals who use it for private art projects.

Lawson explained that the phrase "bandit signs" refers to illegal advertising placards, and what makes them illegal is that they're strapped to public infrastructure or placed on or near roadways.

"It's a city ordinance that criminalizes them here, and many cities have similar ordinances: Wauwatosa has one, Greenfield has one, Appleton, Wisconsin has one, Madison has one," he added.

The majority of signs advertise opportunities to get fast cash.

"They are targeted to specific communities; these companies target minority populations and low-income populations," Lawson said.

Lawson says if not entirely a scam, most jobs advertised are sketchy or flat out unethical.

The City of Milwaukee's Department of Public Works told CBS 58 News they are aware of this issue. However, they urge locals not to do what Lawson does. They prefer the public report it at 286-CITY and DPW crews will handle the removal instead.

CBS 58 News also spoke to Lawson's 10th District Alderman Michael Murphy, who says he has spoken to Lawson a few times about the issue.

"I'm not objecting to it, but I've encouraged this gentleman not to put himself at risk, because unfortunately we live in a world where there are people who are dangerous and may take action," Ald. Murphy said.

If caught, Milwaukee police said violators putting signs up will be fined $181 for adults and $94 for juveniles.