TexasCHLforum.com

cmgee67 wrote:Panhandleing is dangerous I agree. I have told a few to get away and my dad has also when I was younger. You can never be too careful. You also have to becareful at gas stations. One guy can be a decoy while another opens your car door and steals whatever is there or worse comes from behind and harms you or a loved one. That's why when I pump gas I always lock my door especially if my wife is with me and instruct her to stay in the car and be very vigilant

Flightmare wrote:

VoodooSan wrote:Panhandling is a dangerous thing. I dont like it and I do not give money out to people on the street. I will donate to a local charity but letting people approach my window is a no-go...unless you are a fireman. I know there are people that really need help. But I have seen someone beg for money and get in and walk in and buy alcohol. I know not everyone is like that but for me its a safety issue.

As a personal rule, I don't give them money. I will give them bottled water or give them food instead.

Yes exactly. Great point indeed. I will offered to go buy food and bring it to them. If you are truly hungry you wont turn that down unless you are faking it, IMHO

A few years back (well before OC) I had just finished pumping gas and a this really suspicious guy started approaching me. He was asking for money and when I said I didnt have any (and that was the truth) he started to approach me. I could tell something was wrong. I began backing up and I put my hand on the but of my gun to draw it and he stopped cold. I said very calmly but loudly for him to stop moving and put my off hand out it a stop gesture. I just said "Stop, Stop, Stop!" He left I called 911 and reported it. I didnt draw or expose my gun but I could tell he saw me reach back and he knew what I reached for.

Panhandling is a dangerous thing. I dont like it and I do not give money out to people on the street. I will donate to a local charity but letting people approach my window is a no-go...unless you are a fireman. I know there are people that really need help. But I have seen someone beg for money and get in and walk in and buy alcohol. I know not everyone is like that but for me its a safety issue.