Birmingham police tell shoppers not to give money to beggars

Police tell shoppers not to give money to beggars because they are not homeless and are earning £200 a day

  • Career beggars in Birmingham are feared to be exploiting public’s generosity 
  • West Midlands Police have told businesses to move on ‘nuisance’ beggars
  • Sgt Hanif Ullah wrote to traders warning them against non-homeless beggars 

Police are urging shoppers not to hand over their money to street beggars because many are not homeless and some are claimed to be raking in as much as £200 a day.

Career beggars in Birmingham are feared to be exploiting the public’s generosity to line their pockets by pretending to be sleeping rough.

West Midlands Police have told businesses to move on ‘nuisance’ beggars to stop them targeting customers.  

Police are urging shoppers not to hand over their money to street beggars because many are not homeless and some are claimed to be raking in as much as £200 a day (Stratford Road, Birmingham, a hotspot for beggars)

In a memo to traders seen by Birmingham Live, Sgt Hanif Ullah said: ‘The local community have made a number of complaints of persistent begging in the area of your business premises.

‘This can become a nuisance to your shoppers, and ultimately may result in them going elsewhere to purchase shopping.

‘We need your co-operation in preventing and reducing this activity. Businesses should politely discourage beggars outside their premises.

‘If the person refuses to move on then you may wish to call police on 101.

‘Shoppers are giving money to beggars, which encourages beggars to return, therefore advise customers on this.’

A further warning was also put out on the force’s neighbourhood alert service which said ‘The beggars we are referring to are NOT homeless they are BEGGARS.

‘They continue to come back time after time because YOU as a community are giving.’

Sgt Hanif Ullah of West Midlands police warned local traders that beggars were harming trade

Sgt Hanif Ullah of West Midlands police warned local traders that beggars were harming trade

It prompted a discussion on the Sparkhill Neighbourhood Facebook group where it was claimed one particular beggar ‘averages £150-£200 daily’.

Last year traders on Stratford Road issued an appeal for people to stop giving to beggars.

In 2018 police expressed concerns about the welfare of people asking for money whilst standing in the middle of the road.

But Sparkhill ward Labour councillor Nicky Brennan said it was a ‘complex’ problem driven by a ‘perfect storm’ of factors.

Sparkhill ward Labour councillor Nicky Brennan said begging was a 'complex' problem driven by a 'perfect storm' of factors

Sparkhill ward Labour councillor Nicky Brennan said begging was a ‘complex’ problem driven by a ‘perfect storm’ of factors

She confirmed she was aware of the ongoing problems on Stratford Road and had heard similar anecdotes about how much beggars made in a day, but warned they maybe being exploited.

‘Begging on the Stratford Road is something that is reported to me by both residents and traders.

‘The issues of begging is a complex one which can go hand in hand with addiction and exploitation.’ 

She added: ‘My advice to residents would be not to give money directly. Instead, volunteering or donating money to one of the city’s homelessness charities such as SIFA Fireside would be a great way to help which could make a big impact.

‘If there is intimidating behaviour or if someone is subject to exploitation then report it to the police. If residents think someone is homeless and needs support then report this through the Streetlink app.’