These beggars are not homeless, say police
Police in a Cambridgeshire city have urged people not to give beggars their money, insisting none of them is genuinely homeless. Officers in Ely said those who claimed to be sleeping rough were actually fraudsters who were making “substantial amounts of money”. They urged well-meaning people to offer beggars food or a hot drink rather than cash. The comments have been criticised by some residents, who have insisted there are homeless people in the city.
POLICE in one of Britain’s smallest cities have urged people not to give beggars their money, insisting none of them is genuinely homeless.
Officers in Ely, Cambs, said those who claimed to be sleeping rough were actually fraudsters who were making “substantial amounts of money”.
They warned that kind-hearted and well-meaning people were in danger of being misled and said if they wanted to offer beggars something, it should be food or a hot drink rather than cash.
But the comments have been criticised by some residents, who have insisted there are homeless people living in the city.
The force said that after carrying out extensive work with beggars in the city – which has a population of around 20,000 – it was confident there were no homeless people on the streets.
They claimed offers of housing and support had been given to everyone known to be involved in street begging in the city.
Officers added that they were “keen to impress upon people that there are no rough sleepers in Ely”.
This issue is currently being tackled by East Cambridgeshire District Council in partnership with police.
Sgt Phil Priestley said: “There are no rough sleepers in Ely – all of the individuals that have been seen begging recently have been catered for with regards to housing and support.
“We do not want people to be misled, because it can be a lucrative opportunity.
“We urge anyone who wants to assist the issue of homelessness to donate to a registered charity. If you do feel
‘It is possible to earn substantial amounts of money on the streets of Ely’
moved to give something – offer food or a warm drink by all means – but please do not offer money.”
A spokesman for the council said it had taken very thorough steps to ensure that people in need found support.
Angela Parmenter, the council housing and community safety manager, said: “Sometimes people don’t want to engage with us because it is possible to earn substantial amounts of money on the streets of Ely. It may appear that the local authority is uncaring – but in truth we are making support available.”
However, one resident took to Facebook to dispute the police and council claim, saying: “The man called Charlie who usually sits in the Cloisters is genuinely homeless. Yes he has a phone but it’s a basic £10 one.”
Another said online: “Every now and then people remember that a huge number of those on the streets are exservice people who have been badly let down by the country and people they risked their lives for and all of them are human.”