LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — 8 News Now has previously covered the influx of homeless encampments in an east Las Vegas valley community. Two years later residents are saying that the issue is once again growing.
“The lot has been taken over by 50 tents with the homeless burning fires. There’s so much trash, that the County had to bring in bulldozers,” Stonegate resident, Jennifer said.
Metro police stated that public fires are legal if they are being used to cook or provide warmth, but they are considered illegal if used for arson.
Teresa, a resident in the area, showed 8 News Now her backyard shared that Metro police installed security cameras that back up along “The Club at Sunrise” Golf Course due to so much unwanted activity.
“I’ve had people come and jump over my wall into my house and steal personal property. From feces smell, urine smell to finding needles on the floor,” Stonegate resident, Teresa, told 8 News Now.
As for private property, Metro police stated that it’s the property owner’s responsibility or the HOA’s to initiate and pay for the cleanup.
Overall, residents want change, acknowledging that homelessness looks a lot different than it used to.
“It’s incredible the variety of homelessness there is here. We are in the several thousands at this point,” nearby resident, Niki Glarakis said.
According to Metro police, the anti-camping laws in Clark County will be enforced in February. If a person is found camping in public, for instance, on a sidewalk, parks, trails or near a public building, they will be offered a bed in a shelter, if available. If they refuse and are cited more than two times within a year, they will then have to serve 10 days in jail or choose to enter a treatment facility program.
Metro police also stated that it’s the County Commissioner’s responsibility to enforce and expand cleanups to various public areas along the east side.
