In conjunction with law enforcement beginning enforcement of the new Shopping Cart Ordinance on Oct. 16, Las Cruces police is offering limited space for unhoused persons who may need to temporarily store personal belongings in a safe and weatherproof area.

LCPD placed a Conex box, a large shipping container, in the back lot of the police station on Picacho Avenue and installed shelving to temporarily store personal belongings for unhoused persons who may have previously relied on a shopping cart.

The temporary storage of personal belongings is free of charge for the unhoused population.

Items being stored cannot exceed 35 pounds in weight and include some restrictions:

• No perishables.
• No liquids.
• No medications or drugs.
• No currency.
• No flammables.
• No firearms or sharp objects.

Any unhoused persons wishing to temporarily store their items in a secure area can visit the Records window at the Las Cruces Police Department, 217 E. Picacho Ave., from 8-11 a.m. and 1-5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, excluding holidays.

All stored items are subject to search before being entered into safekeeping.

City Council approved the new Shopping Cart Ordinance Aug. 5, 2024. The ordinance intends to eliminate the public nuisance and potential hazards created when shopping carts are removed from retail establishments. LCPD will begin enforcing the ordinance on October 16.