What’s up with all these panhandlers?

Was just at Target in Surprise and a girl probably 17-20 came up to me asking for money. Just a reminder to keep your guard up. It felt really odd. — Alicia Michelle Sunada

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Persistent

I was asked for money in Albertsons parking lot and lady sort of stopped behind me so that I could not back out. I ended up giving her $5 just to get her to drive away and she asked me for more money as $5 was not enough. Finally, she left as more people were walking in parking lot. Be aware, and stay safe. — Kris Weber

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Jumped

Your first responsibility in all situations is to keep yourself safe. You are never under obligation to say yes to anyone. Shake your head and walk away. I always look around me to see who might be approaching. Trafficking is an absolutely real thing in this state. A young girl once asked me to help jump her car. This was at Sprouts. I was alone and had no way to defend myself if she was with someone. I said no. If she had pressed I would have called police to do a check on her; they would have helped if she needed help. — Cynthia Young

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Hated

Glad you were safe. Sometimes they’re aggressive and I hate being approached when I’m with my kids. Hate it. — Kimberly Michelle

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Protected

I keep seeing videos from women with children that they hear a young woman say “Marco” in the stores as a way to alert the other trafficker there that there is a possible child or woman to pick up ... please be diligent and always pay attention to your little ones and surroundings. Better yet, carry for protection as well. Stay safe. — Kimber Hunt

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Hanging

Giving money when approached is only an open invitation for them to hang around. — Ed Vasquez

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Applicable

So many people of all ages out asking for money these days. I understand everyone falls on tough times but instead of asking for money at or in front of the store, go to the service desk and fill out an application! — Jennifer Hodgkinson

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Safe

Good God, I’ve never seen so many people freaking out about someone asking for money before. This is what we’ve decided to do with the Labor Day weekend? I held a door open for a guy at Golden Corral one time, and he didn’t even say thank you … a couple months later, the place went out of business. Stay safe out there! — Steve Gould

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Unsafe?

OMG, just because someone asked you for money doesn’t mean you’re not safe! Maybe she needed help. I hope she was able to find someone that could help her. — Rachel Dee