Another Gallia Street business called Portsmouth police after employees said a man living out of a minivan in their parking lot was making customers uncomfortable.
Officers were called to a salon at approximately 10 a.m. after employees reported that a man appeared to be living in a Honda minivan parked on the business’s private lot.
The employees said belongings were spread around the vehicle and customers felt uneasy walking past the van, particularly when bringing children into the salon.
The man was not at the vehicle when police first arrived. An officer told employees that police would make periodic checks of the property and asked them to call again when the man returned.
Approximately two hours later, officers returned and located him near the van.
Police told the man to gather his belongings and leave the business property. An officer warned that police would return in 30 minutes to make sure he had moved along.
When officers checked the property again, the man and his belongings were gone.
The incident is the latest in a continuing series of complaints from businesses along Gallia Street involving homeless camps, people living in vehicles, belongings spread across private property, fires, suspected drug activity, and customers who say they no longer feel comfortable approaching local businesses.
Business owners are left in a difficult position. They are trying to remain compassionate toward people without housing while also keeping their parking lots, entrances, and surrounding property safe and welcoming for employees and customers.
No arrest was made during the salon incident, and the man left after officers ordered him off the property.
