How to deal with Aggressive Panhandlers

[bwframe]

If you feed the trolls, they are empowered and troll more.

Maybe tomorrow the entitled trolls are having a poor mental health day, then encounter your loved one with no cash in their pocket?

Are you still happy that you (or anyone else,) enabled them the day before?


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[Kozaturf]

I think the charity is so you don't feel bad for not doing something for a person who may actually be in need

It's a roll of the dice. Like having someone tell you that the homeless person you just have a couple bucks to is "just going to buy booze or drugs with it.". Well, that speaks to their character not to mine.

 

[NHT3]

It's my understanding that when you are occupying your vehicle it is considered the same as your residence. Someone please correct me if that isn't the case.. I think we all know what options are available if someone is trying to enter your home through an open window.

 

[daddyusmaximus]

This. What you are talking about is the technique called "Ask, Tell, Make."

Ask them to go away politely. "no thanks, I cant help you."
Tell them firmly to GTFO. " I SAID I CANT HELP YOU! Move along NOW!"
MAKE them GTFO. (do what is necessary to stop the threat)

But I like OP's method too. Its not stupid if it works.

This right here.

Ask...

Tell...

MAKE...

Its called the learning process, and if adhered to, is very effective.

 

[Pepi]

treat everyone with the respect they DESERVE.

How do I know what they DESERVE? I've always said, My only wish is for everyone on the planet to get what they deserve

 

[Cameramonkey]

This right here.

Ask...

Tell...

MAKE...

Its called the learning process, and if adhered to, is very effective.

And dont hesitate to go from ask to tell. Repeating the ask too many times emboldens them and subconsciously encourages them in a way so that when you move to tell, they dont take you as serious. Moving quickly from ask to tell signals you arent going to take their crap. The faster you flip that first switch, the less likely you are to have to actually move to MAKE. Because "hey, I was able to push her repeatedly and she didnt do anything but ask nicely. Now that she thinks she is telling me to do something, she isnt gonna do anything. She's gonna just keep talking and eventually she will cave and I'll get what I want." Flip that switch fast and they are more likely to realize you arent a pushover and to move on.

Sure you'll be called an a hole, but it beats the alternative.

 

[armalitesheepdog]

I like the panhandling people who stand in the intersection or off ramp and beg for money while smoking $7 a pack cigarettes. I also look at there shoes. Brand new work boots or Nikes and begging for money....Nope.
I will give to certain people if I get the right vibe.

 

[Hoosierdood]

I won’t give money to panhandlers on the corners. There are plenty of community programs that they can get help from. Unfortunately most of the panhandlers don’t want to submit to the guidelines that the programs have.

That being said, I was down in Phoenix several years ago. Some 20-something guy was going through the trash cans looking for food. It was 110 degrees out. He came up and asked if I could spare some money. I told him no, but I would buy him some food and a cold drink. We went in the gas station and I spent about $15 on a sandwich, some snacks and a bottle of water. He seemed very grateful. I won’t give any of them money though.

 

[MrSmitty]

Almost...

I saw a guy on Sherman St. in Indy Friday with a sign that said, "Why Lie, I Need a Beer."

I would give that guy money........

 

[Cameramonkey]

And smart phones. Don’t forget the ones checking their phones.

 

[Cameramonkey]

Sitting at the stoplight at 21st and Shadeland. A jackpot of three panhandlers all smoking. Lol

 

[gregkl]

I won’t give money to panhandlers on the corners. There are plenty of community programs that they can get help from. Unfortunately most of the panhandlers don’t want to submit to the guidelines that the programs have.

That being said, I was down in Phoenix several years ago. Some 20-something guy was going through the trash cans looking for food. It was 110 degrees out. He came up and asked if I could spare some money. I told him no, but I would buy him some food and a cold drink. We went in the gas station and I spent about $15 on a sandwich, some snacks and a bottle of water. He seemed very grateful. I won’t give any of them money though.

I have been known to give buskers money before. Just last night outside one of our local Kroger stores a guy was set up playing a violin. He was really good, clean cut, wearing nice clothes. Not homeless. I suppose he could still be considered a panhandler but as I sat in the car waiting on my wife, he entertained me. I threw him some money. My wife has seen him there a couple times. Said he has a family, is foreign, and is trying to make a way.

I just don't know why the Kroger doesn't let him play inside. They used to let people play over where the deli flows into the wine section.

 

[guardman7]

How do I know what they DESERVE? I've always said, My only wish is for everyone on the planet to get what they deserve

Well I'd say if they're harassing you and being disrespectful to your privacy and personal space, they feel entitled to what you have. If you see someone struggling but not asking anybody, theyre probably genuinely in need. The ones who are deserving rarely ask.

 

[Pepi]

Well I'd say if they're harassing you and being disrespectful to your privacy and personal space, they feel entitled to what you have. If you see someone struggling but not asking anybody, theyre probably genuinely in need. The ones who are deserving rarely ask.

Like the one I saw in Vegas. "I'm not gonna lie ... I need money for beer" LOL

 

[churchmouse]

I won’t give money to panhandlers on the corners. There are plenty of community programs that they can get help from. Unfortunately most of the panhandlers don’t want to submit to the guidelines that the programs have.

That being said, I was down in Phoenix several years ago. Some 20-something guy was going through the trash cans looking for food. It was 110 degrees out. He came up and asked if I could spare some money. I told him no, but I would buy him some food and a cold drink. We went in the gas station and I spent about $15 on a sandwich, some snacks and a bottle of water. He seemed very grateful. I won’t give any of them money though.

Well done sir.

 

[churchmouse]

I have been known to give buskers money before. Just last night outside one of our local Kroger stores a guy was set up playing a violin. He was really good, clean cut, wearing nice clothes. Not homeless. I suppose he could still be considered a panhandler but as I sat in the car waiting on my wife, he entertained me. I threw him some money. My wife has seen him there a couple times. Said he has a family, is foreign, and is trying to make a way.

I just don't know why the Kroger doesn't let him play inside. They used to let people play over where the deli flows into the wine section.

Most likely someone took advantage or got out of hand.

 

[Mr. Habib]

I have been known to give buskers money before. Just last night outside one of our local Kroger stores a guy was set up playing a violin. He was really good, clean cut, wearing nice clothes. Not homeless. I suppose he could still be considered a panhandler but as I sat in the car waiting on my wife, he entertained me. I threw him some money. My wife has seen him there a couple times. Said he has a family, is foreign, and is trying to make a way.

I just don't know why the Kroger doesn't let him play inside. They used to let people play over where the deli flows into the wine section.

This must have been outside the Krogucci by the mall. We ain't got none of them fancy fiddle playin' type on the west side.

 

[bwframe]

I have been known to give buskers money before. Just last night outside one of our local Kroger stores a guy was set up playing a violin. He was really good, clean cut, wearing nice clothes. Not homeless. I suppose he could still be considered a panhandler but as I sat in the car waiting on my wife, he entertained me. I threw him some money. My wife has seen him there a couple times. Said he has a family, is foreign, and is trying to make a way.

I just don't know why the Kroger doesn't let him play inside. They used to let people play over where the deli flows into the wine section.

I've had to back down a "just need some change for gas," guy trolling the westside Kroger lot in the dark. At the same time there were seedy looking folks loitering under the overhang.

That was back before the Krogers had those rolling blue light security camera rigs in their lots.

I have heard talk and scanner app traffic about the southside Kroger often having problems with "transients." Also hear police reporting in, going on duty and off duty at Kroger South.

One could only guess that Kroger must have had to adopt a no panhandlers policy? I avoided that west side Kroger for years and would only guess I wasn't the only customer they lost?

Seems as if the Kroger lots would be prime trolling for panhandlers. Lots of the gullible and folks that would pay potential threats to leave them alone. People walking exposed, with wallets and purses in hand. Expensive phones and keys to nice vehicles that druggies and drunks with the associated mental problems will never have.

Often folks get suckered into feeling guilty that they have something, when those that refuse to help themselves don't.

It's a shame that we enable folks to prey on others. As much a shame that we are raising generations of youth to believe that they are helping, when they are actually contributing to poor mental health and potential threats among our society.


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[Super Bee]

Lots of panhandlers here in Fort Wayne, luckily I have not run into any who will not take no for an answer.

Vegas on the other hand is really getting bad. Our last trip we could not go into a single store, restaurant, casino without being asked for money on our way out. Downtown is getting really bad. Had a guy start cussing at me outside The Golden Nugget. I never carry cash, just a couple cards.

On one of our ventures into NYC as we were leaving Penn Station this old guy held up a cardboard sign "Money needed for KFC chicken". I believe the wife gave him 5 or 10 bucks for originality.

 

[gregkl]

This must have been outside the Krogucci by the mall. We ain't got none of them fancy fiddle playin' type on the west side.

Bingo!