Maple Grove Police Address Increase in Suburban Panhandling

As Maple Grove police sees an increase in panhandling complaints, officials are reminding residents that panhandling is protected by the First Amendment. However, aggressive panhandling (i.e. blocking traffic, using obscene language, etc.) is illegal, authorities say.

Panhandling is most often seen in urban areas, but police say it's becoming a more common sight in the suburbs."The donations they get may be a little larger than what they get in the inner cities, so that's why they're kind of pushing out into the outer ring suburbs," Maple Grove Police Captain Dan Wills told Northwest Community Television.

"We've seen quite a large uptick starting this summer."

Brooklyn Boulevard near Interstate 694 is one spot that draws people looking to scrounge up cash. Northwest Community Television approached a woman at that spot identified as "Mary" who said people can earn thousands by panhandling in the area.

"Someone can easily balance their budget and make $3,000 a month," Mary said.

Officials encourage residents to donate to local charities rather than give money to panhandlers.

Image via Steven Depolo, Flickr, used under Creative Commons