'Don't give money to town beggars'

DON’T give money to rough sleepers — that’s the advice from Stratford-on-Avon District Council following the arrival of a number in Stratford town centre.

The council said it had made contact with people who have been sleeping in shop doorways to try to assist them.

But it has said people who hand them money could ‘do them more harm than good’.

A statement released by the council last week read: “There are a number of services aimed at supporting rough sleepers in Stratford, and it is almost always the case that with the help of the council and other agencies accommodation can be found, food provided and support given to deal with the challenges they face, including drugs, legal highs and alcohol addiction.

“By giving directly to those who are rough sleeping you could be doing them more harm than good.

“The council is working with partner agencies and the police to address the issue of rough sleepers and beggars in the town.

“The police and Community Safety Team are running a joint operation, using both enforcement and support to try to reduce begging.”

Shoppers and workers have been urged to report incidents of when they have been asked for money to police at su.snt@warwickshire.police.uk, or to the council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Officer at paul.greewal@stratford-dc.gov.uk