Trash Scavenging In Newport Beach Could Equal Jail Time

NEWPORT BEACH (AP) — Police now have authority to arrest trash scavengers in Newport Beach.

The City Council voted Tuesday night to get strict with recyclers and other scavengers because bicycles and other personal property is being stolen from garages and some have been caught collection information for identity theft.

Mayor Mike Henn tells the Los Angeles Times that Newport Beach has been known as a target of opportunity with low risk.

Police previously only had authority to ticket recyclers. Tuesday's decision now gives them power to arrest them.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)