Indiana National Guard crews are demolishing several vacant buildings in Gary.
Guard members started demolition last week in a Gary neighborhood. City Councilwoman Carolyn Rogers says the blighted structures attract criminal activity and are often set on fire.
The Post-Tribune reports the Guard has approval for tearing down eight houses and plans to demolish 15 by the end of December.
Indiana Adjutant General Courtney Carr says the Guard has access to federal money to prevent illegal drug activity.
Gary officials say the city has more than 6,000 vacant structures and has demolished about 400 buildings over the past few years with federal and local money.