CENTERVILLE, Ohio — An Ohio city has joined a list of several communities banning people from begging after authorities say the number of such incidents has soared.

The Dayton Daily News reported today that police in Centerville have responded to 17 complaints about begging since July, compared to just four complaints in the previous 12 months.

Centerville Police Chief Bruce Robertson said several incidents involve panhandlers on a street near Interstate I-675, raising concerns about the activity causing traffic accidents.

Centerville’s law prohibits aggressive or misleading panhandling, but would still allow charities to solicit funds with local property owners’ permission.

The city of Dayton and area suburbs Beavercreek and West Carrollton have also approved similar laws.

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