re: Acceptable to call the police to report "panhandlers" at a neighborhood market place?

A few weeks ago I was at the College Drive Walmart. Now I was expecting to be hustled at least once but I was stopped several times on the way out and way in. They were and I'm not exaggerating lining the side of the building without even a sob story just asking for money. Several seemed very intoxicated. An officer with the BR Sherrif was standing inside the entrance and I asked him if he could do anything b/c this is getting out of control and in one of these confrontations someone is going to zig when he should've zagged and well it wont be pretty.
He told me he agreed but there is nothing he can do. Really? He then in a pissed off manner said Askin for money aint illegal son. So at least at that location the cops dont give a shite.