davieG Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 £200 a day: What beggars can earn on Leicester's streets By Leicester Mercury | Posted: December 22, 2014 Street life: Police say many of the beggars who ask shoppers for cash were most likely to spend it on drink or drugs rather than food Comments (16)Beggars are earning up to £200 a day in Leicester city centre, but most have homes and benefits coming in, according to police. A senior officer is urging people to stop giving money to the estimated 15 beggars who regularly ask shoppers for cash. Advertisement Inspector Simon Preston, commander of city centre police, said the money was most likely to be spent on drink or drugs. He is encouraging people to make donations to charities which feed, clothe and offer shelter to those who are genuinely homeless and in need. The police's message was echoed by Leicester City Council, which employs an "outreach'' team to identify homeless people as well as helping those addicted to drugs or alcohol. Insp Preston said: "We know a number of the people who beg in the city have drug or alcohol dependency and are not actually homeless. Anecdotally, we hear of people who are making up to £200 a day. "Our observations also tell us the problem increases at this time of year. We want to encourage people to give money to charities and groups which will offer food, shelter and clothing to people who are genuinely in need. "It is a difficult message to get across, particularly at this time of year, because we know people often just want to do what they can to help someone who they believe is in need. "But would they really hand over their money if they knew it was going to end up being spent on alcohol or in the hands of a drug dealer? I don't think they would." A 47-year-old man who regularly begs in the city said he needed to approach people for money despite having a flat and receiving benefits. He said: "I buy food with any money people give me. If they don't believe that's what I'll use their money for, I'll say 'come with me and watch me buy the food'." The man, who has slept rough in the past and has mental health difficulties, said: "I can't see someone making £200 in a day, maybe they could make half that. People want to help, so I think they will go on giving money to whoever they want. "I only approach people who I know have given me money in the past and I don't hassle people." A Leicester City Council spokesperson said: "We support the police's message about not giving to street beggars. The latest figures suggest there are about four people sleeping rough in the city. Over the past few evenings, our outreach team has identified at least 15 people begging who they know are not homeless. "The team works hard to identify anyone sleeping rough in the city, and offer them the right sort of help and support. "Advice, support and assistance is also available from our Housing Options Service or the Dawn Centre in Conduit Street. Which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.'' Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/pound-200-dayThat-s-beggars-earn-city-streets/story-25749891-detail/story.html#ixzz3Mdx5h9DV Follow us: @Leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook
Dr The Singh Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 Ken and his cronies are gonna lap it up for xmas?
davieG Posted 22 December 2014 Author Posted 22 December 2014 Ken and his cronies are gonna lap it up for xmas? It's a bit of a crap article typical merc/radio leicester fair davieG shit stirring for Christmas. :xmasbiggrin:
Dr The Singh Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 It's a bit of a crap article typical merc/radio leicester fair davieG shit stirring for Christmas. :xmasbiggrin: Where's Ken???
Webbo Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 This is just to distract us from the real issues.
Mike Oxlong Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 A lot of these guys won't get out of bed for less than 200 notes a day. But that's because they claim not to own one.
Dr The Singh Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 This is just to distract us from the real issues. I agree................., the real issue's being????
Guest Bilo Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 I've never given cash to a homeless person and never will. I'll happily buy a Big Issue or even give food or drink, used to use my NUS card to get a free cheeseburger or McFlurry when I was at uni, but cash isn't the answer. Does that make me a cvnt?
Dr The Singh Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 A lot of these guys won't get out of bed for less than 200 notes a day. But that's because they claim not to own one. I know alot of guys that would get into bed for £200, me included!! I've never given cash to a homeless person and never will. I'll happily buy a Big Issue or even give food or drink, used to use my NUS card to get a free cheeseburger or McFlurry when I was at uni, but cash isn't the answer. Does that make me a cvnt? Your a cvnt regardless, Bilo!!
Webbo Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 I agree................., the real issue's being???? I don't know, I'm too distracted.
Dr The Singh Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 I don't know, I'm too distracted. :xmasbiggrin: Very good!
MooseBreath Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 Never given a begger money anywhere. It's always a bad thing to do. Would more likely buy the big issue but to be honest I don't want to read that crap nor get right up close to an homeless.
Trav Le Bleu Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 I've never given cash to a homeless person and never will. I'll happily buy a Big Issue or even give food or drink, used to use my NUS card to get a free cheeseburger or McFlurry when I was at uni, but cash isn't the answer. Does that make me a cvnt? No, it makes you sensible. I have done the same in the past and on one occasion my offer of buying food and drink was met with expletives - which merely strengthened my resolve not to give cash to random strangers.
purpleronnie Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 I've never given cash to a homeless person and never will. I'll happily buy a Big Issue or even give food or drink, used to use my NUS card to get a free cheeseburger or McFlurry when I was at uni, but cash isn't the answer. Does that make me a cvnt? No it makes you thoughtful and kind.
Guest MattP Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 Some body will be along soon to tell us 200 a day is some sort of poverty these days.
Bellend Sebastian Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 When I used to beg I spent all the money I got on Fabergé eggs
Trav Le Bleu Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 When I used to beg I spent all the money I got on Fabergé eggs Yes, but you also thought that they were boiled eggs that had been pickled in aftershave.
separator Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 No, it makes you sensible. I have done the same in the past and on one occasion my offer of buying food and drink was met with expletives - which merely strengthened my resolve not to give cash to random strangers. Same thing has happened to me, offered to buy a beggar a coffee & something to eat. Told me to fvck off as he only wants money, never given money since..
Steven Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 I don't give money as I believe in the Christian concept of giving. :xmassmile:
Rincewind Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 Given time I am sure someone will make sensible contribution to the thread.
Raj Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 Id sooner give to loros on my monthly debit than some Geezer near Mcdonalds with his staffordshire bull terrier and a bucket load of coins which he will take back to his cell in.upper titchbourne to tank himself up...and yes since i was san ex spec.con i DO know about the lovely folk at upper titchbourne!!!!
Buce Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 The headline is deliberately misleading to create the kind of reaction on here; if you read the article, you will see the copper quoted as saying, "anecdotally, we hear of beggars making up to £200 a day...". Anecdotally? What kind of evidence is that?
MooseBreath Posted 22 December 2014 Posted 22 December 2014 The headline is deliberately misleading to create the kind of reaction on here; if you read the article, you will see the copper quoted as saying, "anecdotally, we hear of beggars making up to £200 a day...". Anecdotally? What kind of evidence is that? I'm pretty sure beggars don't submit annual accounts so what other kind of evidence is there?
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