Good afternoon Resident,

A man has been issued with a Community Protection Warning in Newport after the Safer Neighbourhood Team received a number of complaints from residents and businesses that the man had been begging aggressively in public.

Complaints detailed how the man had been sat in doorways of businesses and near to cash machines, refusing to move out of peoples way. They also detailed how he had followed some individuals repeatedly asking for money from them.

Whilst we understand there are a number of social, economic and financial reasons why individuals may consider the need to beg, doing so has actually been a criminal offence since the Vagrancy Act of 1824 was introduced. Begging such as this man has can cause others to feel harassment, alarm or distress and from speaking to people that have complained, this has been the case in Newport.

The Safer Neighbourhood Team have spoken to this man a number of times this week to assess his situation and to offer support to him, which on each occasion was declined.  As the behaviour continued, we issued the Community Protection Warning in accordance with Section 43 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The warning identified to the man the impact of his behavior and the steps he must take to address this. The warning will be reviewed within two years of its issue and we will continue to monitor reports. If we receive any further complaints of similar nature, then further action will be considered. We hope this warning will be sufficient to address this man's behaviour.

Here are some practical ways you can make a difference if you encounter a homeless person, or someone begging:

Alert the professionals.

We are very lucky in Newport to not have a huge problem with homelessness or begging, but it is something that we see every now and again. Many people may feel they do not know how to help someone who is homeless or seen begging. One of the simplest ways is to tell a professional.

You can report homelessness to Housing Solutions at Telford & Wrekin Council on 01952 381925. They will then request the STAY Outreach Team visit the person to assess their needs and see what support is required.

You can also report to Street Link, which is a government-funded service which allows people to alert local authorities in England and Wales about rough sleepers in need of support in their area.

Their website is https://thestreetlink.org.uk/

The service will contact professionals who will try to find them and help them access things like shelter and food.

Give time, not money.

Sometimes we think that by providing money it is the best thing to help the homeless. Sometimes people may worry what the money is spent on.

If you feel you want to help someone who is homeless, you could either support a homeless charity with a financial contribution, or you could help the person directly by providing food or warm clothing, such as thick socks. 

The offer of a warm cup of tea and a brief conversation is likely to mean a great deal to someone who is homeless.

If you experience any further issues related to this behaviour, please report this to us using our non-emergency telephone number, 101, or online at our website, www.westmercia.police.uk

The Safer Neighbourhood Team will however continue to try and support this man through referrals to support services.

Kind regards,

Rich

PC 3988 Rich Edward

Newport Safer Neighbourhood Officer.