Sweep of Lake Elsinore homeless camps results in 33 arrests

Editor's note: Homelessness is an issue throughout Southwest Riverside County, including Menifee. The following is a report, exactly as it was sent to the media, on action taken by the Sheriff's Department in Lake Elsinore:

On June 23, 2018, in an ongoing effort to reduce chronic trespassing and crimes associated with members of the homeless community, as well as to provide assistance to those in need, Lake Elsinore Police and Code Enforcement officers, along with Mayor Natasha Johnson, conducted a trespass enforcement operation in areas of the city most affected by these crimes.

A total of 17 homeless camps were visited, resulting in 33 people being arrested and transported to the Riverside County's Cois Byrd Detention Center. The arrests were made for the following crimes:

-- 2 drug related charges
-- 8 arrest warrant services
-- 19 trespassing charges
-- 2 vehicles impounded

Two people were connected with services to assist with chemical dependency. In addition, 15 people were provided information for services to assist with home placement, of which two accepted. Due in part to the success of the sweep, and its positive impact on public safety and the overall quality of life of those who live in the community, further sweeps will be conducted in the future if needed.