Beggars on streets are not homeless, they're fraudsters, say police

Police in one of England's smallest cities have urged people not to give beggars their money, insisting none of them are genuinely homeless.

Officers in Ely, Cambridgeshire, said those who claimed to be sleeping rough were actually fraudsters who were making "substantial amounts of money".

They warned that kind hearted and well meaning people were in danger of being misled and said if they wanted to offer beggars something it should be food or a hot drink, rather than cash.

But the comments have been criticised by some local residents who have insisted there are homeless people living in the city.

The comments came as Cambridgeshire Police responded to reports of a large increase in begging in Ely, which has a population of around 20,000.

The force said after carrying out extensive work with beggars in the city, officers were confident there were no homeless people on the streets.

They claimed offers of housing and support had been given to everyone known to be involved in street begging in the city.

Officers added that they were "keen to impress upon people that there are no rough sleepers in Ely".

This issue is currently being tackled by East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) in partnership with police.

Sergeant Phil Priestley said: "There are no rough sleepers in Ely - all of the individuals that have been seen begging recently have been catered for with regards to housing and support.

"We do not want people to be misled, because it can be a lucrative opportunity.

"It is natural to feel for anyone who appears to be living on the streets or who seems to be affected by hardship.

"We urge anyone who wants to assist the issue of homelessness to donate to registered charity who will take a coordinated approach to tackling the problem.

"If you do feel moved to give something - offer food or a warm drink by all means - but please do not offer money."

A spokesman for East Cambs District Cambs Council said the council has taken very thorough steps to ensure that people in need find support.

Angela Parmenter, housing and community safety manager at ECDC, said: "Sometimes people don't want to engage with us because it is possible to earn substantial amounts of money on the streets of Ely.

"It may appear that the local authority is uncaring - but in truth we are making support available."

Sergeant Phil Priestley

However, one resident took to Facebook to disputed it saying: "The man called Charlie who usually sits in the cloisters is genuinely homeless. Yes he has a phone but it's a basic £10 one that a man brought him.

"He doesn't do drugs or drink alcohol. He loves his hot chocolate and is very appreciative when you take him a hot drink.

"I know a lot of the others that also sit around asking for money ARE NOT HOMELESS.

"And their money goes on alcohol or the other. Charlie has been to see about trying to get

room in the hostel. Hopefully he will get lucky and get a roof over his head very soon."

One person said online: ''Every now and then people remember that a huge number of those on the streets are ex-service people who have been badly let down by the country and people they risked their lives for and ALL of them are human.''

Other residents of the city also expressed doubt about whether those involved in begging were homeless.

Shopper Mike Potts, 53, said: ''To be honest I didn't think all beggars are homeless. they don't all claim to be.

''Some are just down on their luck or have substance issues. I still think that means we should be able to give them a few coins.''

Amanda Phillips, 30, added: ''Giving them money just feeds their drug habit.''

One local added: ''The public need to realise that handing money to them does them no favours.''