Police Advise People Not To Give Money To Rough Sleepers

[Hereford Voice]

Interesting article in the Hereford Times

Quote

 

POLICE in Hereford have advised people against giving money to rough sleepers.

Officers claim that a study this winter showed that all of those sleeping out in the city had been offered accommodation – and turned it down.

Sergeant Duncan Reynolds, from Hereford City Northside Team, last month spoke to every person he could find who was living on the streets and also spoke to housing teams at Herefordshire Council.

He said that “every single person saying they were homeless” had a house or flat being offered to them but turned it down.

“Sixteen people I know were sleeping on the streets and not one of them was genuinely homeless,” he added.

Sgt Reynolds said a homeless person in Hereford can earn £70 begging over six or seven hours.

Police want members of the public to resist giving cash directly to people begging and to text a donation line instead, as they are concerned the cash is spent directly on drugs and alcohol.

Vennture, a Christian cross-church initiative which has volunteers who aim to offer practical, direct support, has a text donation line that is supported by West Mercia Police.

Officers believe these donations will go to a better cause – as opposed to the cash donations made to beggars which often, the police claim, soon find their way into the hands of drug dealers.

He said: “Out of that group, a small number of them engage in antisocial behaviour.

“From the police’s point of view, we are taking a robust view and have imposed criminal behaviour orders (CBO).”

A CBO focuses on more serious offenders, who engage in criminal activity as well as antisocial behaviour. It often bans people from certain areas.

The police say the high profile areas where antisocial behaviour occurs include the plinth near All Saints Church, Eign Gate and the Castle Pool Duck Pond.

The areas outside St James’ Church, St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Square and the Old Burial Ground in Commercial Road were also listed.

The CBOs aim to protect the public, in particular businesses, which have to deal with antisocial behaviour.

He said: “Every morning the businesses clear up urine, excrement, food, bedding, needles left behind. It’s one of the most complaints we get.”

Sgt Reynolds acknowledges it is a difficult situation as the police are seen to be targeting vulnerable people, but he said there is help available at every turn, including help for drug addictions and alcohol dependency.

He said: “They are where they are but won’t take the help, so we are left in the situation where enforcement is the only option left.”

He added: “We have got shelters open. Everyone is welcome in there. The churches, between them, offer hot food every day. There is no need to be homeless or hungry.

“The one gap we do have is a day centre for homeless to go to to relax and stay warm.

“But no person should be sleeping rough in the city centre at any time. If you want to help the homeless then give responsibly.”

To donate to Vennture, text HERE03 £1, £3, £5 or £10 to 70070.

 

 

[Mick]

I never give them money anyway, there are a lot of professional beggars about these days

[adamski]

A chap hanging around outside the college co-op last night was straight up asking people as they came out for fifty pence!

[Alex]

Too many pissheads for my liking, I never give money 

[Ubique]

From HCC .......for info 

Volunteers at St Peter’s shelter are providing a safe place to stay for rough sleepers this winter

Hot drinks and a warm bed for the night is on offer to the county’s homeless at St Peter’s church hall this winter.

Rough sleepers are greeted with a warm welcome from the team of wardens and volunteers.

Located in St Peter’s Square, Hereford, the accommodation offers beds for up to 16 men and 3 women, and provides a safe alternative to rough sleeping during the coldest months. 

Temporary residents are also offered access to clean dry clothing, showers and washing machines.

The shelter is open from 9pm to 8am each day until the 17 March 2019.  Beds are available on a first come first served basis and no referrals are necessary.

Councillor Paul Rone, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said:

“Thank you to the volunteers at St Peter’s shelter who offer safe overnight accommodation to people living on the streets at this time of year. 

“These volunteers are an admirable example of the hundreds of people across the county who give their spare time to help others and provide support to vulnerable members of the community.”

Published: Wednesday, 30th January 2019