Squeegee men are back terrorizing NYC streets

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http://nypost.com/2014/08/07/squeegee-men-are-back-and-terrorizing-city-streets/

They were the ultimate symbol of the lawlessness and blight of the 1980s and early 1990s — and now they’re making a comeback.

Squeegee men are menacing motorists across New York City, including spots near the Holland, Lincoln and Queens-Midtown tunnels, as well as the Queensboro Bridge, The Post has learned.
Modal Trigger



Residents and drivers who pass through the areas said the panhandlers are spraying and wiping windshields without permission to shake down drivers for cash.

Their sudden return is an ominous sign according to the proven “broken windows” theory that has kept the city safe by having cops crack down on minor offenses to prevent bigger, violent crimes.

The Post spotted one of the vagrants working the corner of Lexington Avenue and East 37th Street, where a woman turned on the wipers of her Mercedes-Benz to keep him away.

The glassy-eyed man, who gave his name as Mike Benthins and claimed to be from Philadelphia originally, said he spends about an hour there every other day or so.

“This is a couple of days’ work. About 14 bucks,” he said, displaying a handful of crumpled dollar bills in his filthy, cracked fingers.