Leicester beggars warned by police - accept help or face Asbos
Beggars in Leicester who aggressively hassle people for money could be hit with Asbos, police have warned.
Police said most of the 14 beggars they have dealt with in the past six months were asking for money because of alcohol or drug addiction.
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Beggars in Leicester who aggressively hassle people for money could be hit with Asbos, police have warned
Police at Mansfield House police station are working with Leicester City Council to find ways of helping the worst offenders to overcome their addictions.
In some cases, however, those who refuse offers of help could be issued with Asbos in an effort to force them to curb their behaviour.
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City centre police have received 54 complaints about begging since the beginning of the year.
Sgt Tom Butler, of Mansfield House police station, Belgrave Gate, said: "We think the problem is bigger than that and that people are not calling us because they don't want to bother the police, although they see begging as a nuisance.
"There's a feeling it happens in every city and that it is something we have to put up with.
"Some of the begging goes hand in hand with street drinking and other substance abuse.
"We're looking at ways of getting help for the people who need it, but will take action against those who persist.
"We have dealt with 14 beggars this year. Four of those have been dealt with on more than one occasion and two of them were actually homeless."
Shopper Jay Odedra, 35, said: "A young man approached me and my wife in the city centre last week and was really pushy.
"I wouldn't give him any money because he was only going to spend it on drink."
A city centre shop owner, who asked not to be named, said: "Part of me feels sorry for someone begging on the street.
"Some of the people who beg are okay and seem genuinely in need, but they are the minority in my view.
"There are others who are pushy and, occasionally, out and out aggressive and drunk."
Comments
by Albert_Hall
Wednesday, July 18 2012, 9:49PM
“Begging is still a criminal offence as is sleeping out . The police in London have had a purge on this in recent times in an attempt to clean up the streets for the Olympics. It seems that young bobbies may need extra training, the Vagrancy Act 1824 isn't on the syllabus any more!”
by MacMonkey74
Tuesday, July 17 2012, 6:05PM
“There appears to be some confusion over what ASBOs actually are.
Some may not care that they have been given ASBOs but it would give the police more power to remove them from the areas they operate in - without having to actually witness them doing wrong. So regardless of whether they care or not it will have an affect on them.
It's not beggars per say that are being targeted, it's those that do so aggressively so there will be some that care enough to moderate their behaviour.
It's not a total solution but it's better than doing nothing.”
by Millar32
Tuesday, July 17 2012, 5:25PM
“I was approached by a beggar near st Margret's bus station earlier this year asking for 60 pence, when I apologised and said that I didn't have any change on me because I actually didn't he kicked me onto the road, Gravel street is very busy and busses are constantly going by... Luckily there wasn't any when he kicked me. I contacted the police because if he could do that to me, a 5ft 9 male in broad day light then would he do it to anyone who was more vulnerable who could of hurt themselves? He was taken to court. I'm not sure what the court have done about it other than a letter to me saying that they have ordered him to pay me £40 in compensation which can come in any amount that he can pay whenever he does, maybe he will beg for 10p a day so that he can pay me back? I'm not sure how he will pay it but that's another question.... I haven't seen him about since. The police told me that he has been reported for assaults and begging before so maybe nothing happens....”
by City_C10
Tuesday, July 17 2012, 1:25PM
“"Beggars in Leicester who aggressively hassle people for money could be hit with Asbos, police have warned."
That will really stop them...NOT! Why would they care? I find beggars in all cities they just want a few quid for fags n booze, period!”
by Markymark002
Tuesday, July 17 2012, 12:55PM
“What about aggressive and persistent chuggers? Isn't that officially-sanctioned begging?”