Anti-begging Campaign Rolled out in Paignton

Release Date: October 2009

Success of anti-begging campaign in Torquay rolled out in Paignton

As a result of the concerns raised by residents at their local Community Partnership meetings regarding the intimidating effects of aggressive street begging, Safer Communities Torbay’s Anti-Social Behaviour team launched the ‘anti-begging campaign’ in Torquay town centre.

The project saw Torbay council, the police and various support services working with the local community and retailers to help identify persistent offenders, warning and informing them about the consequences of their actions and that enforcement action would be considered if they continued to beg.

Three months on and the feedback has been very positive. CCTV has seen massive decreases in incidents with no visual sightings in September. The local Police Community Support Officer, Stuart Douglas, said: “The situation has definitely improved. The partnership has sent out a very clear and positive message, effectively received by members of the public and offenders alike. We are certainly seeing a significant decrease in incidents.”

After talking to local retailers, including the manager of Natwest Bank, Mandy Bearne, Security Guard for Boots, Peter French, Owner of Maggie & Co, John Taylor, and the manager for Tesco, Gina Connor, all of which were previously hotspots for street begging; Safer Communities Torbay says the general consensus is delight at how quickly the message has got across.

John Taylor, Owner of Maggie & Co, said: “Following the anti-begging campaign run by Safer Communities Torbay, we at Maggie & Co, have noticed a considerable reduction of beggars along The Strand. “Before this scheme was implemented there were at times up to half a dozen people begging between the HSBC Bank and Debenhams. Now it is rare to see any at all. The scheme also set up a help line for retailers to call to report beggars. This was very effective as the police would arrive within minutes to move them on. Keep up the good work.”

Now the initiative has been launched in Paignton. In addition to the recent economic downturn, retailers also have to work harder to keep customers visiting their outlets because now they are also being targeted by a small number of individuals who feel it is acceptable to stand outside a store, obstruct their right of way and persistently and aggressively ask for money.

Cllr Louisa Aiton, Cabinet Member for Community Cafety, said: ‘Street begging brings with it a number of problems including intimidation and drunkenness. It can centre around particular locations and retailers and have a negative impact upon residents and visitors alike. With Torbay relying so heavily on tourism it is doubly important we work together to ensure people feel safe and are able to enjoy the Bay. “The initiative has been so successful in Torquay town centre that there have been no begging incidents captured on CCTV during the last month. This evidence has been supported via feedback from local businesses. Following this success, we are rolling the initiative out in Paignton town centre.”

Begging can centre around particular locations and retailers, and have a debilitating effect on communities, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, lone females and young people. Street beggars must not be confused with legitimate Big Issue sellers who must be licensed, have and wear an identity badge to prove so and must at all times abide by a code of conduct issued by the organisation. Criteria, whilst acting as a big Issue vendor, include: not appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances; not to be associated with begging behaviours such as being seated or lying down and there to be no ‘bowl’ for money visible; and only to sell the current issue of the magazine and not to use threatening or aggressive behaviour or offensive language at any time. If any of these conditions are breached then Safer Communities Torbay would urge the public to come forward to report incidents on the number provided as these infringements could cost the vendor their badge.

Informational leaflets and posters are being put together to help the public and encourage those who have been affected by begging or anti- social behaviour to report it.

Begging is a CRIMINAL OFFENCE. By supporting local agencies and reporting incidences of begging or anti social behaviour we will work together to take a pro-active approach to tackling the problem.

TAKE A STAND

Report any incidents of begging or anti social behaviour using these numbers:

• Police non-emergency number – 08452 777 444
• Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111
• Anti Social Behaviour hotline number – 01803 207900

• SHF Letter
  Letter to Torbay residents about the grant allocated to Torbay from the Safer Homes Fund.
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