OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Concerns about homelessness and safety are growing just north of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, one of the city’s busiest tourist destinations.

Residents and business employees say abandoned buildings, vacant hotels, and hidden homeless encampments are creating daily problems — and now city leaders are taking a closer look.

A Casey’s employee on 13th Street told First Alert 6 the issue hits close to home.

“This guy shoplifted here literally yesterday to steal some ice cream,” the employee said.

Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson took First Alert 6 through one of the abandoned homeless camps near 13th Street.

He described the conditions as not only unsafe for those living there but also for surrounding neighborhoods.

“It’s scary for the folks that live in the area… th

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