BOULDER, Colo. - Boulder is cracking down on transients while at the same time trying to help people who are homeless.

Officials told the City Council at a study session Tuesday that they are doing their best to deal with people who have been driven from their homes, while dealing with vagrants using drugs and causing problems.

According to the Boulder Daily Camera, Boulder police have issued more than 270 tickets for camping violations this year, compared to about 50 the year before. They have also issued more than 240 drug and alcohol tickets, compared to around 150 in 2011.

Meanwhile, nonprofit organizations are working to provide coordinated services for homeless people to make sure they get access to benefits for which they qualify.