The Grenville County OPP is reminding people to use caution when giving out money to strangers. The OPP has received reports of panhandlers in the area.
Two females were selling flowers in the Kemptville LCBO parking lot without a permit from the municipality on April 13. Two males, stating they were newcomers to Canada and needed money for gas, were spotted at the Colonnade Mall last week. All four were asked to leave by the police.
The OPP says panhandlers are frequently not residents of Grenville County and have been transported to smaller towns along the 401-416 corridor to solicit funds.
Panhandlers may have stories about needing money for gas or food.
The public is encouraged to contact the police if concerned about the panhandlers wellbeing. Reporting a panhandler is a non-emergent call, so people are asked to call the OPP’s toll free number at 1-888-310-1122 instead of 9-1-1.