Crackdown on begging in city centre
POLICE TAKE ACTION AFTER SHARP RISE IN BULLYING AND INFIGHTING OVER MOST LUCRATIVE ‘PITCHES’
POLICE have launched a crackdown on what they say has been a sharp rise in bullying and infighting over begging pitches in the city centre.
Street begging can often result in spats over the most lucrative locations, officers say.
In one month police and council officers issued 32 ‘persistent beggars’ with notices warning them to stop asking for money or face prosecution.
Many of those issued with the Community Protection Notices were actually found to have a home and an income, according to GMP and the Manchester City Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Action Team (ASBAT).
On-street drug-taking and drinking, rowdy and abusive behaviour and littering are also the focus of action by officials.
Those enforcing the clampdown say there is always an ongoing offer of support for those willing to accept.
Instead of begging, people who have fallen on hard times are being encouraged to sell The Big Issue - and police are urging the public to avoid handing over money to beggars on the street but instead to purchase the magazine or make donations to a registered homeless charity.
Selling the magazine can increase self-confidence and motivate change, officers say.
And those selling the magazine can also receive ongoing crisis support from staff.
A post on the Greater Manchester Police Facebook page stated that officers and the ASBAT issued 32 Community Protection Notices to persistent beggars and ‘troublemakers’ this month.
“Most of the beggars had homes and incomes,” they commented.
“ASB offenders included on-street drug-taking/drinking, rowdy & abusive behaviour and littering.
“The Notices warn the individuals that their behaviour is having a negative impact on the quality of life of local residents and businesses.
“The CPNs advise offenders to change their behaviour and get help if necessary or face future prosecution through the courts. There is always an ongoing offer of support for those willing to accept.”
In an earlier post, police wrote about ongoing work with Big Issue partners to make the streets safer for everyone.
“Local officers met partners at Big Issue North to discuss how police could help encourage city beggars to sell the magazine instead because it can increase self-confidence, motivate change and sellers get ongoing crisis support from staff,” they wrote.
“On-street begging can result in bullying and infighting over lucrative locations.
“We are exploring all options to make the streets safer for everyone.
“Several persistent beggars who have a home and income have recently been issued with Community Protection Notices warnings advising them to stop and get relevant help or face prosecution.”
Anyone who has fallen on hard times, aged over 17, can attend the Manchester Big Issue office at 116 Tib Street Monday to Friday, between 8am and 1pm, 3pm to 5pm, or on Saturdays between 8am and 12pm.
For help and advice on homelessness issues visit: streetsupport.net/