BERKELEY (KRON) — The City of Berkeley has tried several unsuccessful attempts to deter a homeless encampment, and in the latest effort to keep people out of the area, new fencing has been installed under the Gilman Street overpass in Berkeley.

On Thursday, Caltrans crews enclosed a section of Gilman with stronger fencing, making it more difficult for campers to cut holes in a chain-linked fence on the inside of the overpass.

“Here is another example. We have a needle right here, which is clearly visible,” California Highway Patrol Ofc. Sean Wilkenfeld said. “There’s a kid’s park right around the corner.”

Wilkenfeld said the fence is a much-needed deterrent in terms of safety.

“It is in response to a large homeless encampment that we have had in the area,” Wilkenfeld said. “We have done a couple of phases to try to clean up the area and most of those have been unsuccessful, so this is the next phase to try and install a little bit more fencing and a little bit larger fencing.”

Seventy-two hours before the fence goes up, the CHP provides the homeless with information about services and shelters available.

They are also given notice to clear out within that same 72 hours. However, if you didn’t get the notice, like at least one man, you may find that your belongings have been removed.

“I leave it here, in the dirt, right here, off to the side, for like 5 minutes….Within that 5 minutes I’m gone, as I am walking back, I am looking at an empty street,” said Sid, who lived at the encampment.

Among the thefts, stealing electricity from power poles, which is dangerous, Wilkenfeld said.

“There is not only issue of drug use, the feces, of the needles, there is also a lot of theft going on,” Wileknfeld said. “Like stealing electricity from power.”

“If someone who is not a trained electrician is tapping into electricity, it creates a fire hazard,” Wileknfeld added.

Officials at Caltrans said they are erecting the stronger fencing at the behest of the City of Berkeley.

Caltrans expects the next phase to be installed by the end of the month.