Beavercreek bans beggars

BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (WDTN) - Beavercreek city leaders crack down on beggars in the city. During the city council meeting Monday, they unanimously approved an ordinance that bans panhandling.

Chief of Police Dennis Evers spearheaded the push for the ordinance after the city saw an increase in panhandlers over the summer; the same time the city of Dayton passed a similar ban. Evers said his officers were given few options for stopping the beggars when complaints came in.

"In looking at the ordinances, we have nothing to curb that other than trespassing," Evers said.

Officers were forced to ask panhandlers to move on, allowing them to continue begging somewhere else. Now, panhandling is considered a fourth degree misdemeanor.

"If you walk up and ask for money, solicit something from that individual, that is panhandling and that will be covered under the ordinance," said Evers. "It's a violation that you could be arrested for and incarcerated."

The crime could carry a punishment of up to thirty days in jail and a $250 fine.

The ordinance makes exceptions for non-profits as long as they have permission from the property owner.

The law will go into effect in February.