(DNAINFO) Katie Honan and Allegra Hobbs | July 12, 2017 — Mayor Bill de Blasio said he will encourage the NYPD to be “aggressive and creative” while abiding by the constitution in a crackdown against panhandlers — expressing frustration that it is not illegal.

After a press conference in the East Village about the city’s multimillion-dollar effort to reduce the rat population, the mayor was asked about panhandlers at nearby Tompkins Square Park.

He responded by doubling down on statements made on his weekly radio show in which he urged New Yorkers not to give money to beggars.

“I am very upset at the notion of anyone who in effect gives people the impression they’re homeless to make money,” he said.

Source: Mayor Wants NYPD to Get ‘Aggressive and Creative’ in Panhandling Crackdown – East Village – DNAinfo New York