15 arrested as cops crack down on aggressive begging

Police have launched weekend sweeps in Manchester city centre to combat a rise in aggressive begging.

Officers say they are responding to complaints from residents and businesses of beggars making people feel intimidated into handing over cash.

Fifteen people were arrested in the first of the crackdowns last month – mainly for vagrancy offences, as well as arrests for breaching bail and Asbos.

Officers say the sweeps will become a regular feature of city-centre policing.

Insp Darren Kershaw said: “We are aiming to reduce the this problem by taking those who continue to commit crime off the streets and offer help and support to the some of the vulnerable people in the city who need help to change their life style.”
Marc Ramsbottom, councillor for the city centre ward, said: “It has been getting out of hand. There has been an increase in begging in the city centre, particularly outside of cash points.

“I have also been getting large numbers of complaints from women about large numbers of men drinking on Piccadilly Gardens who can become intimidating and aggressive.

“If there is an issue with homelessness or alcoholism then there are a number of excellent agencies in the area which can help people, but some people don’t want to be helped.”

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