Lori Lightfoot tells Chicagoans to 'not use money' in order to prevent being victims of crime

During a mayoral debate Thursday night, Lori Lightfoot floated not using cash as a potential solution to rising crime in Chicago.

The city's mayor suggested that those fearful of getting mugged or robbed should avoid using money altogether, and opt for digital transactions instead.



"We have been in Little Village working with street vendors, understanding what the nature of the crime is, making sure we're doing things in concert with them to help them make sure that their money is secure."

She went on to explain that her solution to rampant crime in the area was to "not use money if at all possible," and urged concerned residents to use "other forms of transactions to take care of themselves."

Reaction to Lightfoot's comments was largely negative, with many calling out the mayor for failing to put forth any realistic solutions.

"Yeah ok. violent crime, gang activity is based on street vendor honeypots? Chicago is so doomed," one user wrote.

"Or have they tried just not being poor? I hear that fixes alot," another said sarcastically.

Others suggested Lightfoot was "setting the stage for the digital dollar." The move away from cash to other forms of payment has been pushed by organizations such as the World Economic Forum.

While crime is rampant across the city of Chicago, the neighborhood of Little Village has been hit particularly hard by lawbreakers.

The area has seen an increase in robberies as of late, especially among the street vendors that line the sidewalks.

As ABC7 reports, things have gotten so bad that volunteers have stepped up to help until the city's government delivers a more long-term solution.

"Those are easy targets," one volunteer said of the street vendors. "They don't have a voice, but they do have us and we are going to make these people know they have people that protects them."