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.

Read more...