The city of Wilmington is urging citizens and employees to report instances of fraud and abuse in local government.

Residents and city workers have a role in helping keep city hall operating "efficiently and honestly," Mayor Mike Purzycki and Acting City Auditor Tamara Thompson said in a news release.

The city audit department reviews suspected wrongdoing within the government. The office receives "a handful" of calls ever year from individuals who suspect something is amiss, and auditors conduct thorough investigations as necessary, the city said.

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If citizens or employees suspect something is improper regarding city finances or operations, they are asked to report their concerns using the city’s fraud hotline at 877-217-4670 or by visiting www.reportfraudwilmde.com. All information reported to the is strictly confidential.

The mayor and auditor said areas of concern include, but are not be limited to:

Theft of assets, such as cash, equipment, supplies

Payroll fraud or theft of time

Record falsification

Intentionally damaging city property

Abusing city equipment or the unauthorized use of city equipment

Kickbacks and bribery

Conflicts of interest

Thompson said the audit department does not provide complainants with status updates or the results of investigations because all information remains confidential once it is reported. While some matters will become as part of a public prosecution, she said, the person who filed the original concern will remain anonymous.

Residents who observe unscrupulous activity in city government can also contact The News Journal's Wilmington reporter ChristinaJedra at (302) 324-2837 or cjedra@delawareonline.com. Tips, anonymous or otherwise, can be sent by mail to Christina Jedra c/o The News Journal, 950 West Basin Rd., New Castle, DE 19720.