Complaints about beggars

Police in Perth and Kinross have responded to an increase in complaints about street beggars and musicians in the city centre.

Officers have received a number of reports of anti-social behaviour from beggars and are now looking to use CCTV to help solve the issue.

Chief Inspector Ian Scott, Perth and Kinross’area command officer, said:“We tend to monitor the situation by officers engaging with them in Perth or using CCTV. If people phone up about it we will use those methods.

“The worry is if people who are begging are doing it for dependency reasons. If people want to help beggars they might want to consider asking them if they want a sandwich, instead of giving them cash.

“The first time I came across beggars was in Dublin in the early 1990s. I thought, ‘my goodness’, but they have transisted across and every city has its few beggars now. We work with Perth and Kinross Council regarding beggars and there is a non-harassment policy by the local authority and ourselves.

“What we look to do is engage with beggars, check on their vulnerability and needs – that could be mental health, physical health or dependency issues on alcohol or drugs.

“Where it does change for ourselves is if that behaviour becomes aggressive or persistent - then we take action.

“We get complaints about street musicians and that can range from people not liking the bagpipes to the panpipes.

“I think it’s like everything in life, people are okay if it’s in moderation but if it’s a bit loud and goes on for hours and they’re working in a shop, people phone us.

“Also, people are often not happy about the organised street collections for charities or other groups. That irks some people.”