LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — Before implementing a new shopping cart ordinance, Las Cruces Police want to give unhoused people a chance to trade in their shopping carts for backpacks or wagons.
On Thursday, October 10th and Tuesday, October 15th, the Las Cruces Police Department will hold a shopping cart take-back event where people can turn in their own shopping carts without fear of consequences, and donate backpacks and trolleys. Provides an opportunity to receive. to put your belongings.
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On both days, LCPD officers will collect carts from the parking lots of Community of Hope, 999 W. Amador Ave., and the shopping plaza, 2200 E. Lohman Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
KFOX14/CBS4 spoke with LCPD Lt. Joy Witala, who further explained that once the shopping cart is recovered, police will contact the business owner so they can retrieve it.
Witala also said the initiative is being treated with “the utmost caution,” as the department will be deploying officials and social workers to educate the public and provide resources in advance, in addition to collecting shopping carts. “We’re thinking about the big picture,” he said. Enforcement of ordinances that make it illegal to possess shopping carts owned by businesses.
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Asked what would happen if a person was caught with a shopping cart after these dates, Witala said he could not give an exact answer as it would depend on the officer and the situation.
“Maybe it’s educational. [opportunity]you may be connecting to additional resources to replace your cart. [or]…potentially it could be [a] Criminal charges or arrest,” Witala said.
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