POLICE are threatening action against anyone preying on people’s generosity after they caught a drug user on more than £1,000 a month in benefits begging in Taunton town centre.
Sgt Neil Kimmins stressed officers will do everything they can to help genuinely homeless people, but warned they will clamp down on individuals conning passers-by out of their hard-earned cash.
One of his constables called to reports of a man asking for money in the town on Saturday morning later tweeted about the culprit: “Located, witnessed, reported and moved on. Research shows they already received over £1,000 in benefits.”
The man, who has also been witnessed begging in Bridgwater, is a known user of psychoactive substances, also known as legal highs.
Sgt Kimmins said homelessness and begging are “complex social issues” and police in Taunton work closely with support agencies such as Taunton Association for the Homeless (TAH) to help vulnerable people.
He added: “We do however take a different view to a small minority of people who choose to decline the support services and/or break the conditions set out to help them to the detriment of others.
“We are not out to criminalise the homeless - far from it. We always look to help and signpost the most vulnerable people towards the support agencies.
“However, those few individuals who we know have the means and no reason to beg, but choose to anyway to exploit the generous nature of the people of Taunton, should expect action to be taken against them.
“Our advice is never to give cash to a beggar. If you wish to support the excellent work done by our local agencies, I suggest visiting tah.org.uk where you can give a donation.”
The County Gazette spoke to a couple Chris and Donna, who have been begging outside Taunton train station.
Chris said: “We came down from Birmingham three months ago because we fancied a fresh start, a new life.
“It’s lovely here, but it’s tough when you haven’t got any money and we have to pay £4.20 a day to get a shower at the swimming pool. We sleep in a tent in French Weir and hope to stay here for a long time.”
Donna said: “Taunton’s okay. I like it here.”
COMMENT: VIEW FROM TAUNTON ASSOCIATION FOR THE HOMELESS
* by Rosie Hather, of Taunton Association for the Homeless.
TAUNTON Association for the Homeless (TAH) provides support for those at risk of homelessness and those who have become homeless.
We have 17 properties around Taunton, Bridgwater, Wellington and West Somerset, offering more than 170 bed spaces for homeless individuals aged 16 and over, as well as two drop-in services for those who need advice or those who need accommodation.
The Hub on East Reach is a drop in centre for 16 to 24-year-olds seeking assistance with accommodation and is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm.
We also have an outreach team based at several locations throughout Somerset who support rough sleepers by ensuring they are safe and well, and that they are aware of services should they wish to use them.
We also help our clients rebuild their lives by offering one-to-one support and referring them towards our TAH college courses, all run by volunteers.
These courses aim to build the skills of our clients and to improve their self-confidence and chance of employability.
With this support available to everyone who is struggling with homelessness in the area, we hope to diminish rough sleeping and other problems that may arise from homelessness, such as street begging.
However, it is not always those who are homeless or without accommodation who beg.
We always advise not to give money to beggars as you can never be sure how that money will be spent or if that individual is homeless.
However, there are other ways in which you can help. If you have some spare change, offer to buy the individual a hot drink or food.
If you feel comfortable to and it is safe, tell the individual that there is support through TAH and The Open Door in Taunton.
Finally, you can help by donating to your local homeless charity that helps everyone who find themselves homeless or on the streets.
TAH can assist them back into accommodation and to rebuild their lives.
If you would like to donate to TAH, please visit www.tah.org.uk or visit us at 90-91 East Reach. or visit us at 90-91 East Reach.
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