For many years, Squeegee Workers aka "Squeegee Boys" have been a part of Baltimore City. Their business model is pretty simple. You stop at a light, they wash your windows, and if you're so inclined, you give them money for their services.

Sounds pretty innocent. It’s just kids trying to make an honest living, right?

Well, unfortunately that’s not always the case. Many of these individuals aren’t kids, nor are they innocent. Ask anyone who commutes through the city on a regular basis and they’ll tell you how much of a nuisance they are. Many of the incidents of robbery, verbal / physical assault, and property damage go unreported and those that are, seldom result in any consequences for the perpetrator.

Having personally suffered a significant financial loss ($3,000) and received death threats from Squeegee Workers, I decided it was time to get the authorities involved. Long story short, after an hour of waiting, the officers opted to not even file a police report despite the damage to my vehicle being clearly visible. The individuals involved received a high five from the responding officers and were sent on their way.

After the incident, I reached out to the City Councilman who arranged a meeting with the Baltimore City Police Commissioner and officials from the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. They explained that it was a complex situation and while it was my right to press charges, they’d rather have me let them continue with their community outreach programs. Weighing the pros and cons, I decided to take the high road (not to mention keep my personal information safe from public record) and let bygones be bygones. Come to find out, the same individuals are still working the same corner @ Conway / Light and have continued to cause damage to vehicles (see article below).

The city’s attempt to tip toe around the problem and combat it with job placement and outreach has failed. Squeegee Workers continue to aggressively panhandle, rob, assault, and as of July 2022, murder motorists. The shooting on Light Street was completely preventable and it’s time for immediate action to be taken to shut down all squeegee operations.

The ask: 

1) Start enforcing the existing laws immediately
2) If necessary, make adjustments to city codes to explicitly call out panhandling in intersections / roads within Baltimore City
3) Continue community outreach programs for underprivileged minors

Recent incidents:

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/14/us/squeegee-worker-shooting-baltimore-arrest.html

https://www.wbaltv.com/article/squeegee-worker-dollar24k-theft-baltimore/40561759

https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/squeegee-assault-on-family-of-three-in-downtown-baltimore

https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/squeegee-scam-driver-says-he-was-swindled-out-of-hundreds-at-a-baltimore-traffic-light

https://www.wbaltv.com/article/squeegee-kid-shattered-window-glass-fell-on-toddler/28801199