Menu
01/12/2003
New anti-begging measures come into force
Begging, already a criminal offence, will from today be a recordable offence as part of the government's drive to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
The change will help tackle the anti-social behaviour of some "aggressive beggars", which can intimidate the public, leading to increased fear of crime, the Home Office said.
Government research shows that two-thirds of people resent being approached by people begging for money and more than half of the public will not use a cash machine with a beggar next to it.
It will also allow the police to identify repeat offenders and make it easier for them to deal with beggars involved in more serious crime, the offender's details will now be stored on the National Police Computer when they are arrested.
The Minister for Policing and Crime Reduction, Hazel Blears, said: "The public do not want to see beggars on our street, many of whom can be aggressive and intimidating. Tackling begging is part of the government's strategy to cut the anti-social behaviour which can blight communities and makes some of our public spaces no-go areas."
The Home Office claimed that more than 85% of beggars have a drugs or alcohol addiction and are begging to fund their habits.
The Vagrancy Act 1824 made begging in a public place an arrestable offence and upon conviction a person may be sentenced to a maximum £1000 fine.
(gmcg)
The change will help tackle the anti-social behaviour of some "aggressive beggars", which can intimidate the public, leading to increased fear of crime, the Home Office said.
Government research shows that two-thirds of people resent being approached by people begging for money and more than half of the public will not use a cash machine with a beggar next to it.
It will also allow the police to identify repeat offenders and make it easier for them to deal with beggars involved in more serious crime, the offender's details will now be stored on the National Police Computer when they are arrested.
The Minister for Policing and Crime Reduction, Hazel Blears, said: "The public do not want to see beggars on our street, many of whom can be aggressive and intimidating. Tackling begging is part of the government's strategy to cut the anti-social behaviour which can blight communities and makes some of our public spaces no-go areas."
The Home Office claimed that more than 85% of beggars have a drugs or alcohol addiction and are begging to fund their habits.
The Vagrancy Act 1824 made begging in a public place an arrestable offence and upon conviction a person may be sentenced to a maximum £1000 fine.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 September 2009
Construction Industry Bosses Arrested
A total of 21 people were arrested yesterday in dawn raids by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officers investigating a multi million pound construction industry fraud.
Construction Industry Bosses Arrested
A total of 21 people were arrested yesterday in dawn raids by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officers investigating a multi million pound construction industry fraud.
20 June 2005
Government launches consultation on smoking proposals
The government is to begin consultation on proposals to ban smoking in most public places in England. The government hopes that the consultation will lead to a Bill being introduced in the autumn. The ‘Choosing Health’ Public Health White Paper published last November, unveiled proposals to ban smoking in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces.
Government launches consultation on smoking proposals
The government is to begin consultation on proposals to ban smoking in most public places in England. The government hopes that the consultation will lead to a Bill being introduced in the autumn. The ‘Choosing Health’ Public Health White Paper published last November, unveiled proposals to ban smoking in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces.
17 January 2013
Property Fraudsters Jailed For Total Of 13 Years
Two London men have been sentenced to a total of 13 years for defrauding two banks of £61m. 44-year-old Achilleas Kallakis was given seven years, while Alexander Williams, also 44, five years.
Property Fraudsters Jailed For Total Of 13 Years
Two London men have been sentenced to a total of 13 years for defrauding two banks of £61m. 44-year-old Achilleas Kallakis was given seven years, while Alexander Williams, also 44, five years.
02 April 2014
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
05 August 2009
Awards For Tackling Crime And Anti-Social Behaviour Launched
An awards scheme to recognise people who have been at the forefront of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities was launched yesterday by the Government's Crime and Justice Adviser Lousie Casey and Policing Minister David Hanson.
Awards For Tackling Crime And Anti-Social Behaviour Launched
An awards scheme to recognise people who have been at the forefront of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities was launched yesterday by the Government's Crime and Justice Adviser Lousie Casey and Policing Minister David Hanson.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
