Police must do more to tackle town’s ‘fake homeless’ beggars
ACOUNCIL boss has demanded action to combat organised beggars who are pretending to be homeless and “intimidating” visitors to a Midland town centre.
Walsall councillor Mike Bird said people living outside the town were travelling there claiming to be homeless and making a lot of money each day from generous passers-by.
He said the authority took genuine homelessness seriously but highlighted many complaints from traders.
He added that police needed to do more to implement a public spaces protection order that covers the town centre to tackle the issue.
Cllr Bird was speaking at a scrutiny overview committee meeting about the Walsall Plan, which identifies improving the town centre as a key priority.
He said: “These people are not homeless. They live outside of Walsall but come here because it is a nice little earner.
“I saw one in Lichfield who normally hangs around in the Park Street Arcade and had obviously decided to have a day excursion.
“Walsall people are very generous and caring and it’s understandable that they want to help those in need.
“I would strongly advise them to only ever give their money directly to reputable charities to ensure that they’re supporting the genuinely needy. Let me be very clear here though, the people I take issue with are not homeless, they are ‘fake homeless’ and make a living by claiming to be homeless.
“Their very presence can be intimidating to shoppers and put them off visiting the town centre.
“I have also been contacted by a number of town centre shop-keepers who have raised concerns about the negative impact the daily presence of beggars has on their business.
“Put simply, street begging does nothing to improve our town centre.
“Something has to be done and I hope the police get the message and take action.”
Inspector Tony Eustace, from Walsall Police, said the force was working with partners to address the complex issues of homelessness but added action was being taken on those who were abusing the system.
He said: “If the law has been broken, enforcement will be considered, whilst recognising this can also be a means to encouraging someone accept support.
“We have to balance our approach, with addressing the needs of the individual and responding to concerns from residents and local businesses.
“However, where support is being refused and individuals are making the town unsafe, then officers are utilising Community Protection Warnings and Community Protection Notices to put various conditions in place. Over 20 have been issued since November. A breach of an order is a criminal offence.”
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