LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – More people who are homeless are living in RVs, trailers or campers across the Las Vegas Valley, and county officials are looking for a solution to curb the problem.
FOX5 obtained drone video of numerous RVs and campers in a neighborhood off Gowan Road and Nellis Boulevard. The RVs have congregated in one area in that community.
According to the Clark County Constable’s Office and county leaders, there is a growing number of these illegally parked vehicles on local streets.
Numerous other neighborhoods across the Valley have either one or some campers or RVs on their street. Residents tell FOX5, the campsites often leave trash on sidewalks or in the road, limiting access by passing vehicles.
The LVMPD Homeless Outreach Team has noticed the rise. FOX5 went with the team and Help of Southern Nevada social workers to the site, where they offer individuals housing and services.
Officers explained to FOX5 that the vehicles pose dangers to drivers, pedestrians and nearby homes and businesses.
“Some of them are sitting right on the side of the road. Somebody could veer off and clip one of them. Some of them are completely stripped, gutted out. They’re on blocks, which is a safety hazard. Many of them have generators. They’re trying to stay warm in the in the wintertime. It’s not always the typical situation where it’s plugged in the right way,” said Sgt. Matthew Kovacich of the LVMPD Behavioral Health Unit.
A vehicle for more than 72 hours on the side of the road can be considered abandoned, according to the Clark County Constable.
To get these vehicles to move, constables write warning tickets.
Clark County Chair Tick Segerblom weighed in on the issue: he said people simply can’t live in RVs and campers on the side of the road. The problem continues as RV’s get warnings but keep relocating across the Valley, he said.
FOX5 is also told if RVs and campers are towed, yards release or re-sell them– and they end up back on the street. That’s why Segerblom said county officials are pushing for a change state law and county ordinance: the county can impound the RVs, trailers and campers; they can be crushed or torn apart, to prevent them from returning to the street.
If you see a RV camped for several days, you can contact the Constables Abandoned Vehicle Division at 702-455-8697. You can also reach out through the FixIt App and SeeClickFix.
Copyright 2024 KVVU. All rights reserved.
