Islington police launch crackdown on beggars

A crackdown on beggars and rough sleepers has resulted in more than 20 people offered support to get their lives back on track.

Islington Police worked with homelessness charity Pilion Trust from Monday September 30 to Saturday October 5 to intercept people begging and sleeping on the streets of Islington by issuing them with warnings – but also linking them with support services.

During the week of action, members of the public were also handed leaflets talking about the negative impact of giving cash to beggars and advised to instead help homelessness charities.

The action came following complaints from residents and businesses that the number of homeless people spotted sleeping or asking for money had grown in recent months.

Officers from Angel Town Centre Team warned 21 people for begging but also referred them to Pilion which in turn made sure they accessed the necessary services and had a proper place to sleep.

Two of the men were arrested after they returned to begging and during the week of action officers also made six further arrests for other offences.

Sgt Chris Walsh, Angel Town Centre Team said: “Beggars and rough sleepers are not only perceived as problematic they can also be vulnerable themselves, so this joint initiative was as much about support as enforcement.”