  Sean_of_detroit Member Username: Sean_of_detroit Post Number: 117 Registered: 03-2008 |
I wanted to give everyone a heads up on a possible dangerous scam going on in the CBD. I met up with a friend who was staying at the Leeland City Hotel yesterday. It was about ten or eleven PM, and we decided to go walk to Greektown to get something to eat. We started down Cass heading towards State Street. About halfway down Cass we met up with a gentleman asking us for change. We turned him down, saying we had nothing we could spare. He asked us where we were headed, and we told him Greektown. He then asked how we would pay for the restaurant if we didn't have any money. I stated that we would be paying by debit. He apparently thought we were all from out of town, and insisted that he show us the way. I decided to play tourist and keep quiet. The thought I had was that we were fine based on the fact that we outnumbered him three to one (this was pretty dumb in hindsight). Plus, we were headed that way anyway, so it didn't really matter whether he thought he was leading us or not. He took us down State Street and then started walking into Capitol Park. This clearly made no sense, as that is not the way to Greektown. My friend started to follow him into the park. I asked my friend where he was going. He looked over at me confused. I told him that this was a better way, and he came over and followed me instead. The guy, who quickly realized we were no longer following him, ran back to us and insisted that the park was a short cut. I decided to call him out, asking him what he was doing. He looked confused, so I continued by mentioning to him that Greektown is on Monroe, which is almost directly West of Capitol Park. It made no sense to go further up Shelby to walk an extra block to Grand River. He quickly turned around and walked away muttering something like "fine, do whatever you want". I'm guessing my name dropping is what made him realize that we were not as gullible as he thought. On our way back, I got him "leading" another group. He saw us and took them across the street, apparently to try to avoid us. I called out to them that they shouldn't be following that guy, and that he's probably planning on robing them. The guy yelled back that I needed to mind my own (swear word) business. I hope the other group got the message. Anyway, I've had trouble with Capitol Park in the past, but apparently it has gotten slightly worse lately. I told my friend, who actually lives in that building, this story. He said that there is in fact a group targeting Capitol Park, especially (but not only) at night. The crime report map from DPD also shows a small recent rash of crimes in this area. Just wanted to warn everyone who might not know. | ||
Supersport Member Username: Supersport Post Number: 11786 Registered: 10-2003 |
Cutting through Capitol Park probably is slightly shorter, I wouldn't exactly label this a "dangerous scam." | ||
Sean_of_detroit Member Username: Sean_of_detroit Post Number: 119 Registered: 03-2008 |
I don't see how. He was taking us North from State. Maybe this wasn't anything if that is true. I just don't see it though. | ||
Cambrian Member Username: Cambrian Post Number: 1846 Registered: 08-2006 |
I pulled a fast one on a guy trying to execute the parking attendant scam. That's where you take up at a closed pay lot and walk up and "charge" people to park there. He came up to my window asking for $5. I feigned interest in my cell phone and held up my index finger indicating I would be with him in a moment. He went over to ask some other folks who pulled in for cash. I quickly locked the truck's doors and slipped away. When I was a block down I heard this loud "HEEEYYYYY!••••• In my direction....Hilarious! | ||
Rax Member Username: Rax Post Number: 221 Registered: 11-2007 |
Tell the guy to fuck off. Why even explain that you're using a debit card, etc. Just keep walking. | ||
Tetsua Member Username: Tetsua Post Number: 1537 Registered: 01-2004 |
quote: Amen | ||
Sstashmoo Member Username: Sstashmoo Post Number: 1283 Registered: 02-2007 |
This is why people need to pack firearms. If these dirtbags knew you were packing they wouldn't be bold face attempting to steal from you. The dude with the "follow me" bullshit, no way. Rax is spot on. Never agree to another's terms when not understanding the situation. Just ignore them. | ||
Digitalvision Member Username: Digitalvision Post Number: 756 Registered: 11-2003 |
I rarely acknowledge their presence. I donate to the shelter, not their crack habits. | ||
Gianni Member Username: Gianni Post Number: 351 Registered: 05-2004 |
If you feel compelled to say "fuck off" or pack heat just because some homeless person wants to gets creative, you should just stay out of town. I neither escalate nor engage for more than a moment. Why ask for trouble? I always say "I'm sorry sir, I can't help you out right now," and look them in the eye. It works every time. I usually get a "God bless you" or something in response. No need to shoot the guy in the head, no need to say "fuck off," no need to even be rude. The original poster here was right to just walk away. Probably not the best move to even humor the guy. There is one homeless person I talk to, the mentally ill lady who is often on the side steps of St Mary's on Monroe, or pacing up and down Lafayette. (Come to think of it I haven't seen her for a while) We're practically on a first name basis, she always asks how the wife and kids are if they are not with me. She rarely asks for anything, and when she does, if I give her anything, she apologizes and asks if I'm sure it's OK with my wife. If I ever catch anyone telling her to "fuck off" that's when I'll feel compelled to get in someone's face. | ||
Southofeight Member Username: Southofeight Post Number: 132 Registered: 07-2005 |
And do what? | ||
Kid_dynamite Member Username: Kid_dynamite Post Number: 512 Registered: 06-2007 |
Great Gianni. You're my hero. I still like the "fuck off" option best. | ||
Blondy Member Username: Blondy Post Number: 1211 Registered: 10-2003 |
Are you talking about Tanya, Gianni? Very dark skinned black woman, kind of short? I also have not seen her in a year or so. | ||
Blondy Member Username: Blondy Post Number: 1212 Registered: 10-2003 |
Also, if you act like you are scared, threatened, etc, then YES, you will be a target. A nod, a "sorry" a "i cannot help you" is the only way to go. A curse or threat will get you mugged. | ||
Lowell Board Administrator Username: Lowell Post Number: 4755 Registered: 10-2003 |
I too fail to see the 'danger' as nothing happened. Dangerous implies that harm was done. Far more likely this was simply aggressive panhandling - perform a perceived service - get a big tip. I am not suggesting that anyone put their guard down ~no matter where they are~, just saying the word 'dangerous' is excessive for this anecdote. 'Good Samaratin' come ons are always to be regarded with suspicion, but insulting someone who is quite possibly desperately homeless or often mentally ill with a 'fuck off' is excessive too. I did that once many years ago in Boston and feel badly about it to this day. | ||
Gianni Member Username: Gianni Post Number: 352 Registered: 05-2004 |
That's her Blondy. I've seen her a few times over the winter, but I'm not sure when was the last time. I wondered if the casino work caused her to move on. | ||
Rax Member Username: Rax Post Number: 222 Registered: 11-2007 |
It's not excessive to me when I'm surrounded by it 24/7. I'm not on a field trip to the city. | ||
Neilr Member Username: Neilr Post Number: 713 Registered: 06-2005 |
quote: I saw her a week or so ago sitting on the Monroe side steps of St. Mary's. My response, whenever I'm asked for money: "No thanks, not today, sir (madam)." Then I keep right on walking. It works for me. If anyone feels a need to help the street people in Detroit, I recommend donating to the Open Door Ministry at Fort Street Presbyterian Church. http://www.fortstreet.org/Open %20Door/overview.html | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 1215 Registered: 12-2006 |
Usually when I'm in Capitol Park it means I'm waiting for a bus, which gives me a reasonable line to use on panhandlers: "I'm standing here waiting for a bus, yet you think I have extra money I can spare?" The more logical folks go away when you say this. On the other hand my wife used to give a quarter to the Quarter Lady downtown once in a while, and whenever I see Connie McConachie I buy her lunch if I have an extra fin. | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 5901 Registered: 10-2004 |
And yet again, Scott failed to take the initiative... He should have beat the beggar to the punch and asked him for money first. Then, after the beggar retreated, Scott should have made better use of his time by hitting up any others there at Capitol Park for their loose change--now that he had claimed that turf. Instead, he meekly waited for his bus to arrive... | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 6666 Registered: 08-2004 |
First of all, if someone asks you for change... and you say no... then that should be the end of your encounter. END OF CONVERSATION! Don't go about telling him where you're going! If you "play along" by having him guide you, then you're just asking for trouble... Acting like a tourist is not a smart move! Being freindly or getting "chatty" with these strangers will get you in trouble. They don't want to play good Samaritan, they want money! That guy may not have robbed you, but once you reached your destination, he sure would have made a stink about getting a gratuity. This isn't a specific Capitol Park scam... this is general common sense when walking about downtown... which is why I take the PM whenever possible, and do not talk with panhandlers. And if I were to encounter one that insists on getting a reply from me I would start talking loud and excitedly in German so that he wouldn't be able to communicate, and leave me alone. There's folks downtown that are out to not rob people, but to make a quick buck... be it guiding folks to their destinations, or as I've experienced... having one take a daytime group photo of a tour bus full of Germans in front of one of the Tigers at Comerica Park, and then trying to shake down each German tourist for a gratuity for that group picture. I gave the guy $5 and told him to hit the road. (Message edited by Gistok on April 18, 2008) | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 5902 Registered: 10-2004 |
Gee, and all along I thought Gerhard was speaking in tongues! | ||
Rax Member Username: Rax Post Number: 223 Registered: 11-2007 |
quote: Yeah, that's great in theory. | ||
Sean_of_detroit Member Username: Sean_of_detroit Post Number: 120 Registered: 03-2008 |
Okay, agreed; the title of this thread wasn't the best. I was trying to be descriptive with the title, but apparently had a writers block moment. It really may have been nothing, but it just seemed fishy. I deal with a lot of people walking around Detroit, and this guy just didn't act right. He was a smooth talker but also sounded a little nervous. His voice was shaky, but he seemed to know exactly what he was going to say next. He was also young, in his late twenties at best. It's hard to explain, it just didn't seem right. It wasn't your normal homeless run in. Dangerous is probably to strong of a word. But after talking with my friend, it started to sink in a little bit more. It could have gotten bad. You're right though. It could have also been harmless. I know this kind of stuff happens at one time or another in most big cities, but is not something that seems to be at all common in Detroit. So I thought it was worth a mention. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 6667 Registered: 08-2004 |
Rax, if you show fear or intimidation, then they'll keep after you. LY, can't you find another line of work? I must have rebuked you on the street in German many a times... | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 6668 Registered: 08-2004 |
Sean I didn't mean to imply that things couldn't have gone real bad for you... they very well could have. You just shouldn't have let it get as far as it did. Since you mentioned that he was taking other groups "on tour"... I tend to think that he was just trying to make a few bucks, probably by asking for a gratuity from EACH of you once you got to Greektown. He knows that intimidation works in his favor, even if he doesn't have criminal intent. | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 5903 Registered: 10-2004 |
Sorry, Gerhard. I don't do any of that lower-level stuff as I franchised that Capitol Park location (and others) to my multilevel-marketing associates and take a piece of their action. Laughing all the way to the bank... Maybe the same bank where you're the teller? | ||
Detroitnerd Member Username: Detroitnerd Post Number: 2178 Registered: 07-2004 |
Tonya tried attacking my co-worker with a fork once.  | ||
Paulmcall Member Username: Paulmcall Post Number: 923 Registered: 05-2004 |
Best not to aggravate someone you don't know. They might be packing heat or some other weapon. Be polite and keep moving along. | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 4099 Registered: 06-2004 |
There should be a homeless people thread, with pictures, so everybody can learn who's who and what their m.o., area, and issues are. A lot of them would never harm anyone but it would be nice to know who to avoid and when new unknowns appear on the scene. | ||
Rax Member Username: Rax Post Number: 224 Registered: 11-2007 |
quote: OK, thanks for the advice. |
