Police refute claims of begging gangs on city road
POLICE say they “strongly refute” claims from fearful shopkeepers that there are criminalised begging gangs operating on a busy Derby road.
It comes after Normanton Road shop owner Yahya Akhter said he would close down his Iqra Books store if nothing more was done to protect businesses and people on the road who “fear for their lives” because of beggars.
Mr Akhter said gangs are deliberately operating around cash machines and supermarket trolley bays.
He also claimed some of the beggars would threaten violence if requests for money are refused.
His concerns were echoed by Pak Foods manager Saqib Mohammed who said he is also worried for the supermarket’s future due to the begging that takes place outside his store.
But in response Derbyshire police say they have taken action on a number of individuals acting inappropriately but don’t believe “begging gangs” are forming on Normanton Road.
A statement by the force says begging is a “relatively minor” issue in Normanton.
Inspector Keith Chambers, the officer in charge of policing in the Normanton area, said: “Over the last six months officers have maintained a constant presence in Normanton Road, with the mobile police station acting as a base for officers to work from. Numerous meetings have been held with business owners to understand their concerns and help alleviate problems. “A number of individuals who have been acting in an inappropriate and anti-social manner in the area have been handed Criminal Behaviour Orders as a result of the hard work of local officers.
“These orders place restrictions on their movements and allow police to act more quickly where they breach the terms.
“While begging is an, albeit relatively minor, issue in the area I would strongly refute the suggestions there are organised begging gangs operating in Normanton Road.
“There is no information or intelligence to support this claim. The issue of begging in general is not just a matter for the police – it is one that requires work from a variety of partner agencies which officers continue to support to help all those affected.”
Mr Akhter said he was considering closing his 18-year-old book store on Normanton Road if solutions were not found.
He accused police of “failing” the community over the begging issue. He said: “This is affecting the community in a very serious way - I have decided I will close at the start of next year if nothing is done.
“Everyday it is getting harder and harder to cope with. We are fearing for our lives.”
We strongly refute the suggestions there are begging gangs operating in Normanton Road Insp
Keith Chambers