‘CHEEKY’ BEGGARS
Cops rap ‘fake’ homeless
POLICE have claimed that every beggar in their city is a fraud.
Officers say “bogus” down-and-outs are coining it in by pretending to be homeless.
There has been a surge in the number of “rough sleepers” in Ely, Cambs, but police are now urging people to give them food or a hot drink instead of cash.
Sergeant Phil Priestley said: “There are no rough sleepers in Ely. All the individuals seen begging recently have been catered for with regards to housing and support.
“We do not want people to be misled, because it can be a lucrative opportunity. It is natural to feel for anyone who appears to be living on the streets or who seems to be affected by hardship.
Charity
“We urge anyone who wants to assist the issue of homelessness to donate to a registered charity who will take a co-ordinated approach to tackling the problem.”
Two beggars approached last night – Daniel Bennett and Jack Johnson – denied they were frauds.
And despite the warnings, some locals have said they will continue to give ® them money. Mike Potts, 53, said: “To be honest, I didn’t think all beggars were homeless. They don’t all claim to be. Some are just down on their luck or have substance issues.”
East Cambridgeshire District Council said it was trying to ensure people in need find support.
Angela Parmenter, housing and community safety manager, said: “Sometimes people don’t want to engage with us because it is possible to earn substantial amounts of money on the streets of Ely.
“It may appear the local authority is uncaring, but in truth we are making support available.”