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Aggressive panhandling has Giant Tiger manager concerned for customers
Aggressive panhandling outside Giant Tiger in La Ronge has management concerned about the likelihood of someone getting hurt.
That’s what Manager Dennis Caplett told La Ronge council at a regular meeting Wednesday where he asked for help dealing with the situation. Since the weather has gotten warmer, he stated the homeless population has risen substantially and there are more of them loitering outside the store.
“I have been the store manager since it opened here and this has probably been the most aggressive I have ever seen,” Caplett said. “We had a situation where we had a couple of them go after a lady and her son in our parking lot. The RCMP were called, but it’s coming to a point where it’s starting to be hurtful to our business.”
Caplett noted management from head office is also concerned about the situation and is considering hiring security guards for the store. He added, however, that’s not an ideal solution because it makes customers feel uncomfortable and more likely to shop at another business. The company will continue to research that option.