| Topic: | Re:Drunk Beggars outside Putney Train Station | |
| Posted by: | Vincent CS CHAN | |
| Date/Time: | 25/02/18 17:29:00 |
| As the Ward officer for Thamesfield I am aware of the problem and attempt to take a balanced and proportional perspective on this problem. Everyone has a right to use the public spaces, however I have to balance the rights of the individual with those of the community. Putney is a prosperous area and as such the high street will attract beggars. Where I encounter rough sleepers I will always ask if they require any assistance with accommodation. The Council are duty bound to assist with accommodation and also there are a number of charities who assist with homelessness. Many homeless people suffer from mental health, alcohol and drugs related problems, and where possible they should be given help. As I mentioned earlier I have to balance competing rights of people and community, and for me, begging is unacceptable. Various businesses are affected by this activity and there are a large number of organised and professional beggars in the capital. When I have attempted to move on beggars I have encountered resistance and opposition from the public for this. It is a difficult balance. My advice is not to give money to beggars, at best it sustains a homeless person’s life on the streets and this can’t be good for them. This prolongs their exposure to crime, mental and physical health problems, and potential drugs and alcohol abuse. The long term solution must be to get these people off the street and into accommodation. Having diverted a little from the topic, and anti-social behaviour or criminal activity should be reported to police. Please do not assume that someone else will do it or it’s not worth doing. Any abusive behaviour will be dealt with by police, but we need to know it’s happening. Any long term solution will also require evidencing, so when calling police, please ask the officers that attend to get the names of the people involved and to pass these details onto me (most officers in Wandsworth will know me). Some people are worried about wasting police time, but for me if you are thinking about whether to contact the police or not, that’s the sign you should. If there is immediate danger to person or property always call 999 If it’s not an emergency call 101 Alternatively if the incident has passed some time ago you can report the incident online at https://www.met.police.uk/report I hope this helps. If there are any other issues or you simply want to know more you can e-mail me at: SNTWW-Thamesfield@met.pnn.police.uk Vincent CS CHAN |