Beggars intimidate customers
The Ministry of Social Development has issued a warning to Work and Income payment card holders.
It comes after a woman was spotted offering the balance of her payment card to a Tokoroa supermarket’s customers in exchange for a lesser amount of cash.
She was seen holding her card up and offering it to several customers as they walked into New World in Bridge St.
The Work and Income cards are issued with a set amount of money for pre approved items only and must be used within three days. Cash or change is not given if the full amount isn’t used.
Regional Commissioner Mike Bryant said such behaviour was concerning and those acting so would be penalised if caught.
‘‘We are disappointed to hear about this case,’’ he said.
‘‘We generally provide money on MSD payment cards to help clients cover urgent and immediate needs such as food, clothes, petrol and whiteware.
‘‘This is designed to ensure that the money provided is spent on those urgent needs.
‘‘While most of our clients are honest and want to do the right thing we are aware that a small percentage of people will try to take advantage of the system.
‘‘We are keen to hear about instances where people are misusing their MSD payment cards and encourage anyone that sees it happening to report it to MSD. In cases where the person can be identified we will follow up the allegation with them and discuss repercussions, which can include suspending future funding on such cards.’’
New World Tokoroa owner operator Viv Smith said the supermarket was doing all it could to stop such behaviour from continuing.
‘‘We are very concerned,’’ she said. ‘‘Begging has become a persistent problem throughout Tokoroa and we’re doing everything in our power to play our part, including working with police, to help solve this difficult issue.
‘‘We’re committed to supporting our community, regularly donating food to local organisations who ask for our support’’
Senior Sergeant Kelly Brown said intimidating behaviour from beggars was also being seen around ATM.
‘‘There are a lot of beggars in town. They are a bit of a problem at the moment,’’ she said.
‘‘They are hanging by ATM as people get money out and they are then approaching them.’’
She said if people are feeling intimidated they need to report it to the police.
‘‘If people feel they can say no and they are OK doing that then that is fine, I would personally say no, but then they have to also weigh up what the repercussions of that are which is when their safety comes into it,’’ she said.
Brown said simply offering advice as to where beggars can get help was another option.
‘‘Really in New Zealand there is no reason for anyone to be begging. We have got all these agencies that want to help and you can talk to them about these,’’ she said.
To report a potential misuse of a MSD payment card call 0800 556 006.
‘‘There are a lot of beggars in town. They are a bit of a problem at the moment.’’