Middletown seeking to address rise in panhandling during pandemic
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MIDDLETOWN Law enforcement officials, business owners and the city are brainstorming ways to curb an increase in panhandling, which they say has become more pressing because of lower levels of foot traffic on Main Street during the pandemic.
Police Capt. Rich Davis and Mayor Ben Florsheim said there have been instances in which an individual has become aggressive when asking for money from a passerby, causing distress for those who are preoccupied by filling parking meters or attending to other tasks.
The mayor said panhandling can be done in different ways, simply asking for money, or when people are more demanding in their appeal.