Homeless Encampments Routed In RivCo, Cleanup In Hands Of Property Owners

BANNING, CA — Banning Police conducted three separate operations this week as they targeted illegal homeless encampments across the city. The city's Streets Department and officers are dismantling one area after multiple occupants were arrested on trespassing charges, authorities said Thursday. The other two encampment cleanouts are in the hands of the property owners and are being monitored by the police to ensure completion, according to Capt. Brandon Smith.

All of the unhoused people were given 72 hours' notice to vacate the premises before the operations took place.

On Tuesday, the first operation occurred just northeast of the intersection of Hathaway and Ramsey streets, according to Smith.

The department's "homeless liaison officers," joined by personnel from the Department of Code Enforcement and City Animal Control, entered the site.

At the scene, a total of seven people were arrested on suspicion of trespassing and then released from custody.

The property owner has been tasked with the cleanup of the encampments, including removal of vehicles being used as residences, Smith said.

The next joint operation took place on Wednesday near Interstate 10 and Sunset Avenue.

There, 13 people were arrested for alleged trespassing and later released from custody.

One camp occupant was also arrested in connection with an unrelated outstanding felony warrant.

At this location, full "houses" with rooms and windows stood. This, in the same area that was recently canvassed during the search for a missing Banning teenager.

"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 took place on Thursday, this time on city of Banning property.

The location was centered just southwest of Bryant Street and San Gorgonio Avenue.

Here, five people were arrested on suspicion of trespassing and later 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. Alternatively, residents can fill out complaint forms via the Department of Code Enforcement's web portal: www.banning.ca.us.