A new initiative to crack down on panhandlers in the city had Newark Police take about a dozen into custody according to police officials.
Authorities said the presence of panhandlers along or near Newark’s main egresses, ingresses, Penn Station and other locations is not only an eyesore, it is dangerous.
Panhandlers are constantly at risk of causing an accident or being the victim of an accident as they meander their way in, out and through traffic authorities said.
On Tuesday, knowing this and listening to complaints, Public Safety Director Antony Ambrose initiated operations throughout the city to discourage panhandling and to reduce the likelihood of crashes.
Newark Police targeted approximately 10 locations including several locations along McCarter Highway, Penn Station, Central Avenue and 1st Street, Interstate 280 ramps Speedway Avenue and South Orange Avenue, Chancellor Avenue and Fayban Place and Clinton Avenue and Martin Luther King Blvd.
Twelve panhandlers were arrested, two received quality of life summonses and five-suspected panhandlers were questioned and instructed to get out of traffic authorities said.
Director Ambrose said, “Panhandling enforcement has been neglected over the years, not anymore.
Their aggressively approaching vehicles in traffic creates a litany of safety concerns in addition to being a constant complaint of motorists.
Motorists feel unsafe and they should not have to. A panhandler definitely isn’t a welcoming sight, isn’t a positive reflection of what Newark has to offer and it will not be tolerated.
These operations will continue until the panhandlers get the message, No.’
Ambrose urges people to continue reporting crimes and quality of life complaints by utilizing the Department's 24-hour Crime Stoppers’ tip line at 877 NWK-TIPS (877 695-8477) or NWK-GUNS (877 695-4867).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.