Huntington police Recover Stolen Property, Including Shopping Carts, as Part of New Safety Initiative

By WSAZ Staff

HUNTINGTON, W.Va.

It has been nearly a month since the City of Huntington launched a new downtown safety initiative, deploying officers on bikes and on foot to increase visibility and better support the community. Recently, these officers have been actively working to recover stolen property from local businesses, including numerous shopping carts.

Body camera footage from a Huntington police officer, recorded on the afternoon of July 8, shows officers arriving outside the Harmony House on 4th Avenue. Individuals seeking refuge at the facility had left more than half a dozen shopping carts outside.

mayor Patrick farrell stated that patrol officers were present to recover shopping carts that had been taken from businesses. The recovered carts were found to be filled with various items, including a purse.

In the video, an officer can be heard informing individuals on the sidewalk that he found a purse containing cash and uncapped needles. He inquired if anyone wished to claim it, but no one responded. The purse was subsequently discarded.

A spokesperson for the city explained that it would have been unsafe for an officer to leave a purse unattended with uncapped needles. The video also shows officers filling trash bags with items from the recovered carts.

“They’d been given a warning they couldn’t have stolen property,” Mayor Farrell said. He emphasized that the city is sharing the body camera video to ensure clarity.

“It’s crucial everyone knows what we’re doing is intentional,” Farrell continued. “It’s not a crime to be homeless, but it is a crime to commit theft. You can’t take people’s grocery carts. We need to find a better way to help these people get off the streets.”

The mayor announced that assistance will be provided through a new homelessness services center called the Hub, located on West 3rd Avenue. This center will feature an overnight shelter and secure storage facilities, eliminating the need for individuals to carry their belongings constantly.

“When they have stuff and don’t have a place to go,you need to store it somewhere,” Farrell said. “The Hub will have places for them to store it. Hopefully that will be an enhancement to what we’re dealing with now.”

The new overnight shelter is anticipated to open before the winter season begins.

Evergreen Insights

The City of Huntington’s initiative reflects a growing trend in urban centers to address homelessness and public safety concurrently. By increasing police visibility through foot and bike patrols, cities aim to deter petty crime and foster a greater sense of security. The recovery of stolen property, such as shopping carts, directly impacts local businesses. The progress of resource centers like “The Hub” signifies a shift towards providing tangible support, including shelter and storage, to individuals experiencing homelessness. This approach acknowledges that addressing the root causes of homelessness, such as lack of secure housing and storage, can be crucial in reducing associated public order issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the primary goal of Huntington’s new downtown safety initiative?
A: The initiative aims to increase police visibility through foot and bike patrols to enhance community support and public safety.

Q: What type of stolen property has been recovered?
A: officers have recovered stolen shopping carts filled with various items.

Q: What is “The Hub”?
A: “The Hub” is a new homelessness services center that will include an overnight shelter and secure storage for belongings.

Q: When is “The Hub” expected to open?
A: “The Hub” is expected to open before winter.

Compliance & Disclaimers

This article provides information on a public safety initiative and does not constitute legal, financial, or health advice.

What are your thoughts on Huntington’s approach to downtown safety and homelessness? Share your opinions in the comments below and subscribe to World Today News for more updates!