Panhandler resents police crackdown

A Fredericton panhandler says he resents being treated like a criminal.

Dana Brideau, 33, says he has been panhandling for years. He says he couldn't make ends meet without that little bit extra and he doesn't think it should be against the law.

"You can get some people that get real offended because they just finished work and they're probably just making ends meet," he says. "If they don't want to give you no money, just keep on walking, say sorry, no."

City police are cracking down on panhandlers in response to complaints from the public. They're handing out tickets to panhandlers, and the fines are steep.

Brideau says nobody who is homeless can afford to pay the fine.