City of Brockton takes different approach to stop panhandlers

BROCKTON, Mass. — Officials in Brockton are sick of the panhandling problem the city has been facing for years.

While other cities and towns have passed ordinances in efforts to curb the growing issue, officials in Brockton are taking a new approach which seems to be generating good results.

"It's at the point here in Brockton today where I'm just not going to take it anymore," said Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter.

Brockton is now using two existing state laws to stop panhandling. Section 17A fines those who solicit stopped vehicles and section 120 allows for the arrest of those who trespass where they have been ordered not to.

On Friday night, a man described by Mayor Carpenter as "the most notorious panhandler in the city" was arrested for trespassing.

"He's been around for years, he's relentless," said Mayor Carpenter.

Oliver Snyder was approaching Market Basket customers, asking them for money, even though the store already had a "no trespass" order on him.

Snyder is just one of a handful of panhandlers the city has its eye on stopping.

"We just can't sit back and let a dozen or so people who are trying to make a living by begging money from people and harassing people continue to have this negative impact on businesses in the city," said Mayor Carpenter.

Snyder was arrested near a popular panhandling spot, where traffic off Route 24 backs up at a traffic light. For panhandlers, its the perfect spot.

The area just so happens to be a few dozen feet away from Sunny Aroustamian's car wash.

Aroustamian says panhandlers not only bother his customers for money, but also bother him.

"They come asking me for a dollar [but] I always tell them, 'Listen, I'm always looking for help, why don't you come down and I'll give you a job, you'll make like $14 - $15 an hour, with tips and everything,'" said Aroustamian. "They say, 'You're crazy, I make more money just being here on the street.'"

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