Homeless encampments dismantled, transients arrested in Banning
City News Service
BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – Three operations carried out this week in Banning targeted illegal homeless encampments, which are now in the process of being dismantled after multiple occupants were arrested on suspicion of trespassing, authorities said today.
The first operation occurred Tuesday just northeast of the intersection of Hathaway and Ramsey streets, according to the Banning Police Department.
Capt. Brandon Smith said the department’s “homeless liaison officers,” joined by personnel from the Department of Code Enforcement and City Animal Control, entered the site. Notices had been given 72 hours earlier warning occupants of the need to vacate the premises.
Seven people were arrested on suspicion of trespassing and then released from custody. The owner of the property was additionally contacted and directed to start cleanup, including removal of vehicles being used as residences, Smith said.
He said the next joint operation happened Wednesday near Interstate 10 and Sunset Avenue, where 13 people were arrested for alleged trespassing, then released from custody. One occupant of the camp was also arrested in connection with an unrelated, outstanding felony warrant.
“This location is also private property, and (we are) actively working with the owner to get the encampment debris removed from the property,” Smith said.
The final joint operation occurred Thursday southwest of Bryant Street and San Gorgonio Avenue, where five people were arrested on suspicion of trespassing, then released.
“This location was cleaned up with the assistance of the Banning Streets Department, and four large tent encampments were removed from the property,” Smith said.
The captain pointed out that municipal agencies are working “hard to direct those experiencing homelessness to available resources within the city and Riverside County.”
“But we will be enforcing applicable laws with a zero tolerance,” he said. “The police department has been able to strengthen efforts in enforcing crimes related to unlawful camping and other quality of life issues that have become a major problem within the city.”
Anyone with questions, or who wants to report illegal encampments, was asked to call the department’s non-emergency line at 951-922-3170. Alternately, residents can fill out complaint forms via the Department of Code Enforcement’s web portal: http://www.banning.ca.us/FormCenter/Police-10/Code- Enforcement-IssueConcernForm-62.