Three men have been handed Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (CRASBOs) for persistently begging in Chester city centre.

They are Kevin Gooley, 39, Gary Hine, 43 and Ian Churchill, 29, all of no fixed abode, living in the Chester area. The CRASBOs were handed down at Chester Magistrates Court after the trio was convicted of begging at earlier hearings.

Sergeant Amanda Shaw, of Chester Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, said: “We have been working closely alongside partner support agencies with these individuals in an attempt to prevent them from begging in the city centre.

“Begging is a form of anti-social behaviour and is against the law. It has a detrimental impact on the city, with the police and local authority receiving numerous complaints from local businesses, residents and visitors.

“We know that in some cases, the proceeds from begging are used to support an alcohol and drug-taking lifestyle which in turn causes further misery in our communities. It also makes it difficult for the individual to break the cycle of alcohol and drug abuse.

“There is provision for access to meals and support in the city from a variety of sources for people who have fallen on hard times. With this in mind, we would ask people not to give money to beggars and instead to donate to charities that exist to support individuals who find themselves in difficult circumstances.

“We would like to thank partner agencies, local businesses and members of the community for their support in securing these orders.”

Each of the CRASBOs has been granted for three years. During this period, the three individuals are prevented from:

Causing harassment, nuisance or annoyance by seeking to beg from any person in any public place in Cheshire

Entering Chester city centre without written permission from the police

Using foul, abusive, insulting, offensive, threatening or intimidating language or behaviour in any public place towards any person in Cheshire.

Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (CRASBOs) are Anti-Social Behaviour Orders which are granted following a criminal offence.

Anyone who witnesses a breaches of the orders should report it to Cheshire Police on 101.