Reno Police are launching a new "No Loitering Program" that aims to help local businesses prevent unlawful activity on private properties.
Police are encouraging business owners to buy a sign that gives police permission to remove people off the owner's property without having to contact them first.
Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance says all you need to do is sign up for the program, "To enforce this as a crime without the person who owns the business present, we actually need the official sign, the proper signage, this lets our officers know that the business has signed up for the no loitering program."
Some examples of common loitering that police deal with are side shows, street racing, fights, narcotic sales, and other crimes.
Reno Police conducted a test run with businesses along 4th Street earlier this year.
Chief Nance says feedback has been positive from business owners and that they're seeing less loitering.
"They said that they did see a decrease in people violating those laws. So, we're hoping that this can be just a warning, that people see the signs and say 'oh, I'm not really welcomed here so I'm going to go someplace else' and move on to whatever they're doing."
Chief Nance says if you are caught loitering, you'll be given a warning. But if it continues then you could get a citation or even be arrested.
All businesses across Reno are encouraged to join the program.
Each sign is 40 dollars.
You can learn more information and sign up by clicking here.
