Posts
Begging has become a common feature in modern Britain. People who beg are thought to be the most vulnerable in society, often trapped in poverty and deprivation, whilst also risking their health in such a demanding activity. Many of these beggars are homeless, but it is thought that 30% of beggars in the cathedral city of Lincoln have home addresses and are simply taking advantage of passers-by who are kind enough to financially aid them.
Lincolnshire Police are now dealing with the problem. Under the Vagrancy Act of 1824 begging is illegal and, in recent months, the police in Lincoln have received many complaints, both written and verbal, from members of the public.
Mark Garthwaite, Lincoln city centre neighbourhood policing inspector, described to the Lincolnshire Echo how the Police will be dealing with the problem:
“On the first occasion they are found begging they are given a letter, explaining why they are breaking the law and warning them that if they are found again in similar circumstances they will be arrested. The letters also contain contact details of organisations and agencies in Lincoln who may be able to help them. If necessary, for genuine cases, our officers will even make contact with those agencies and set up appointments for people. We want to help anyone who is really in trouble.”
Operation Woodpecker has already had some success, as stated on the Lincolnshire Police website. Three men have been arrested and charged with begging in the last few weeks and all three must appear at Lincoln Magistrates Court in the coming weeks.
Concerns have been raised that beggars who are actually homeless could also feel the wrath of the police because of the new operation. Inspector Garthwaite, though, has been quick to quash these fears:
“If you have genuine problems then we are here to help you, if you are simply using begging as a way to extorting money from people, then you are not welcome in Lincoln”.
Garthwaite also told of how some beggars make a good wage, so to speak, from sleeping on the street. When giving an example, he said that “we are aware of one man who begs in the City Centre, who is not homeless, but regularly makes more than £50 a day from passers by. For me, this is tantamount to theft.” This would accumulate to £20,000-a-year, which is equivalent to what a newly-qualified teacher gets.
Police are advising people in Lincoln who genuinely want to help local homeless people to donate money or time to the Nomad Trust and the YMCA.
