Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
‘No beggars’ signs
The trader says he’s ‘protecting’ his business
A DUNDEE jeweller who banned beggars from sitting outside his shop has defended the move, which has been branded “tasteless and unkind”.
A sign has been put up outside Stephen Henderson the Jeweller asking people not to beg there during opening hours.
Another asks people not to sit on the ledge outside the Union Street shop.
The signs have sparked criticism online – some people say the move lacks compassion, while others called beggars a “nuisance” to customers.
Shop owner Stephen Henderson said he put the signs up due to customer complaints.
He said: “We have had an issue with homeless people sitting outside the shop for some time, and I have always been civil with them. I have had some people chance it and sit there (since the sign was put up), but I often give them a coffee and politely ask them to move on, because I know some people can’t help being in that situation.”
Mr Henderson added: “I say to them (the people begging) when we are closed they can sit there whenever they want, just not when we are trading.
“I have had customers and other people mention it and complain to me about it.
“Some customers have said they are not comfortable looking at products when people are looking and asking for money.
“I am mainly just trying to protect my business.”
Similar signs were erected last year, but were removed by an objector.
Mr Henderson said: “The person who did it came prepared, as they were wearing a hoodie and unscrewed the sign, but CCTV picked them up. I’m trying to be sympathetic, but I have to look out for my business.”
The jewellers was robbed in 2015 of items worth more than £39,000. A man was arrested and imprisoned more than two-and-ahalf years later.
The latest signs have been criticised online, including by Russell Pepper, chairman of West End Community Council and director of street art group Open Close Dundee.
He tweeted a picture of the sign, calling it “really awful stuff” that is “policing public space whilst stigmatising people who need help”.
Others agreed, saying the move lacked compassion and was “tasteless and unkind”.
One Twitter user said: “Dundee, you’re better than this.”
But some have defended the decision, including Graham Meade, who said: “Beggars sitting against a shop are an absolute nuisance, harassing customers wanting to browse the windows.”
Another social media user said: “Nothing wrong with what they have done. In fact, we should be discouraging begging across Scotland and even the UK.”
Begging is not illegal in Scotland, unless it is deemed aggressive, and then Police Scotland can intervene. Although giving money to beggars is a personal choice, research by homeless charities including Shelter suggests most people use the money to fund an addiction.
Some organisations also warn that the amount of time a person spends begging means less time engaging with services that might be beneficial to their wellbeing.
However, some believe people on the street can often feel overlooked and ignored, and giving change is a way of acknowledging someone’s existence. Others will offer to buy food or drink rather than give cash.
Mr Henderson said he did not contact Dundee City Council before putting the sign up, and it is not yet known whether he will be allowed to keep it.
When approahced for comment on the matter, a Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “Our city centre ambassadors regularly highlight services to people who may need them and explain how they may access these services.”