Police warn against giving to beggars on streets of Shrewsbury

Instead people are being urged to give money directly to homeless charities as they can then be sure that the money will help those that need it most in ways that can improve their lives.

In Shrewsbury town centre police estimate there to be seven homeless people and a core group of five beggars.

Sergeant Richard Coles, from West Mercia Police, said: "People in Shrewsbury are very compassionate and giving, as is seen each day.

"The effect of the message is not 'don't give', it is give to a charity who can then put a plan in place to get the people we see on the streets the help they need to get them off the streets.

"Charities such as The Ark in Shrewsbury, Brighter Futures and Shelter do really excellent work and they are a great way that homeless people can get the medical treatment, advice and guidance to get them off the streets.

• ShrewsburyArk

• Brighter Futures

• Shelter

"Sometimes giving direct to people keeps them on the streets.

"The guidance we have issued this week is part of a wider alternative giving scheme which will be rolled out in the town.

"In Shrewsbury we have the issue of rough sleeping and the issue of begging.

"Some of the people we see begging in Shrewsbury do have roofs over their heads that they can return to at the end of the day.

"In Shrewsbury we did a count last year of the number of rough sleepers and the number of beggars.

"We have approximately seven people sleeping rough each night in Shrewsbury town centre because they have nowhere else to go.

"It is difficult to say how many beggars there are. There is a regular group of between four and five people who beg in the town centre but some of these do have access to a roof.

"The best way to help these people who may ask for money in the street is to give direct to a charity.

"By giving direct people can be sure that the money will be spent helping someone."

Abigail Hartley, spokeswoman for West Mercia Police, said: "We know the people of Shrewsbury are very generous and we want to ensure their money reaches those they intended it for.

"Please be aware that some beggars are not genuine and the donation may not be used the way they intended. We advise people to make donations directly to a registered homeless charity instead, so they know where their money is going.

"Anyone who has felt intimidated into giving money to beggars in Shrewsbury should contact Shrewsbury Central Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101 ext 5790."