Erie police say they've seen an increase in complaints of panhandlers, in downtown Erie.
So, Erie's police chief says they're targeting the issue.
Apparently it's been a growing problem recently.
Panhandlers, bothering people in downtown Erie.
While the snowy conditions may have kept many people inside Thursday, police say they've seen an increase in complaints from businesses, employees, and patrons.
They're reporting panhandlers, not only trying to bum money from them, but harassing them if they refuse.
Obviously, making for an uncomfortable walk to work, or a restaurant, or other business.
In fact, it's become so widespread that Erie Police Chief Steve Franklin says they have special patrols, targeting the issue.
"We want it to be a vibrant and safe environment in the downtown area for all Erieites. So we do have special details working both in uniforms an plain clothes, to make sure that people can do unimpeded about their business in the downtown area." Said Chief Franklin.
Chief Franklin adds that most, if not all of the complaints, have only risen to the level of annoyances.
Nobody's reportedly been hurt or robbed by any of these panhandlers.
None-the-less, Franklin says it's a quality of life issue that needs to be addressed.
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