Devon town up in alms over influx of ‘begging tourists’
A MAYOR has complained that her prosperous Devon town has become a magnet for “begging tourists” who are making £35,000 a year.
Rosie Adams, the mayor of Totnes, said that “people are coming from other places” to beg.
“I hate to say it but we have begging tourists,” she explained. “They’re coming in from other places and spoiling it for local people.
“There is no need in Totnes for anyone to go hungry. They should not feel in any way scared. It’s obviously an ideal place for beggars to come to.”
Police have confirmed that aggressive beggars have been harassing passersby in the town.
A statement from Devon and Cornwall police said: “Historically we have taken a fairly relaxed approach to persons begging on Fore Street and High Street. As you know, begging is an offence under the Vagrancy Act. However, we have shown a degree of discretion due to the very low level, friendly, passive begging style.
“Beggars in Totnes are raising between £50 and £100 a day. I heard one individual bragging that he raised £139. Our approach in maintaining the status quo, coupled with how attractive it has become to beg in Totnes, has drawn others from further afield who have brought their own begging style.
“We have received reports of shoppers being aggressively harassed for money, followed up the road, abused, threatened with violence, and intimidated at cash machines. We will not tolerate this, and our stance has now changed.
“A lot of the beggars in Totnes battle some form of addiction. Also, many may appear homeless. They are not.”