Article: Crackdown Sought on Traffic Hustlers

Panhandlers who try to "extort" money from motorists in exchange for pumping gas or cleaning windshields would face $50 fines under an ordinance proposed by a West Side alderman.

The plan by Ald. Ed H. Smith (28th) to crack down on what he called "shakedowns" at gas stations was so well received at Thursday's Police Committee hearing that it was held in committee to make it even tougher.

At the request of Police Committee Chairman William M. Beavers (7th) and Ald. Robert Shaw (9th), the ordinance will be amended before the July 14 City Council meeting to include major intersections, especially those close to expressways.

Shaw said he has firsthand knowledge of the problem. He ...

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