Baltimore’s Plan to Stop “Squeegee Kids” Fails Instantly

As we’ve covered here extensively in the past, the City of Baltimore has been plagued for years by an army of so-called “squeegee kids” (Many of whom are not). “kids” at all) who extort money from commuters at intersections in the city’s downtown area. People who refuse to pay the extortionists often face violence or vandalism. Brandon Scott, the new Baltimore Mayor, said on the campaign trail that there would be a plan to end this practice and find a way to stop it. “help the squeegee workers.” When it was finally revealed, the plan. It was widely panned He was a useless sop to public anger. He would establish “no squeegee zones” Have the police assist the perpetrators to find other productive work.

The plan was implemented this week. Many downtown intersections were decorated. “No Squeegee Zone” Police and signs were posted in the area to check the results. The results were It was exactly what many critics had hoped for. The majority of the “squeegee kids” ignored the signs and kept doing what they’d been doing all along. (Fox News Baltimore)

For the second day, squeegee kids were hustling drivers in the city’s new “no squeegee zones.”

After signs were placed banning squeegee-kids, the intersection at Pratt Streets and President Streets was abuzz.

It’s one of the city’s six new zones which are part of the city’s crackdown on squeegee activities.

But, some kids seem to be ignoring the ban.

This was not going to happen. “ban” It was designed by the Mayor and displayed the same attitude. He kept talking about it. “squeegee workers” As if they were actually there “workers” Doing real jobs and needing help finding work. They have been told by the police not to arrest them unless they are involved in violent crimes. The police would simply pick them up and drive them to another location before dropping them off.

As you would expect, this wasn’t any sort of deterrent. They knew that they would not be punished for their actions and just kept going with their normal routine.

There’s been more than enough of the “provable acts of violent crime” referred to above to be around on these corners. One 15-year old is currently In the process of being tried A driver refused to pay the extortion. Drivers who refuse to hand over money have also been hurt or their vehicles damaged. As I already said, it’s an extortion racket, plain and simple.

The Mayor appointed Dr. Audrey Bundley to manage the new squeegee program. Reporters asked her whether she knew about or cared about this new program. She replied, “Yes.” “I think that they are aware but sometimes when you’re aware and still hungry, you make choices.” Bundley continues to make excuses, just like Mayor Scott. “workers” This situation should be treated as a social justice project, rather than the obvious crime wave it is.

Fox News heard from a representative of the affected communities that it was time for the police to arrive soon. “step up enforcement.” That’s putting it mildly. These “kids” They do not perform any work requested. If people want their windshields cleaned, they’ll go to a gas station. Even if you’re looking for some ad hoc work, you ask the person if you can do the work for them first. You don’t just start doing it unbidden and then demand money. That’s not employment. It’s extortion. It must be stopped by the Mayor.