Panhandling as prelude to a robbery?

[zmgmeister.livejournal.com]

OK, with the current discussion about crime I want to ask an opinion of the group. If you have a couple of youths ask you on the street for money, and they don't look homeless, is it a good idea to call the cops on them as "suspicious persons" or is it just me being suspicious?

Comments

[righteousness-1.livejournal.com]

There was a young guy asking everyone on their way into the T all week for 50c. I complained to the porter who said he would tell him to leave the station as it was not allowed. Old beardy drunks are one thing but an able bodied young guy should get a job. Don't give money to these guys unless you want to encourage begging and possible muggings.

[koloratur.livejournal.com]

He is REALLY obnoxious, and I've seen him get angry and threatening with women.

[jmorash.livejournal.com]

that guy used to hang out in Kendall Square! I'd greet him with a cheery "fuck off" every morning for a while.

[znhoward.livejournal.com]

He moved up to Central for a while, too. Last I saw him was this weekend outside the Davis Store 24. He made the same sing-songy pitch to us when we were stopped at the red light.

Never seen him get angry, but yeah, something about him gets on my nerves.

[watchamacallit.livejournal.com]

In Central he always asked me for 50 cents. When I said no he then asked for a dollar. That cracked me up every time.