CHARITY minded shoppers in Chester City centre are being urged to give their cash to genuine organisations rather than beggars.
Begging is illegal in the city centre and police are working with Cheshire West and Chester council to crackdown on those who beg for money from visitors to the town.
Sgt Ian Stead said: “We take the issue of begging very seriously in Chester, it is anti-social and can be intimidating to visitors.
“It also affects public perception of legitimate schemes such as authorised sellers of the Big Issue.
“On occasion we have seen begging become aggressive and frightening for some people.
“This behaviour will not be tolerated and we urge people not to give to beggars in Chester.
“People who wish to help the homeless can help by giving to local charities or buying the Big Issue from legitimate sellers.
“Charities like Chester Aid to the Homeless work specifically in the city and I would encourage people who wish to be helpful to give their money to a charity like this rather than directly to people on the street.”
To contact the Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing team call 0845 458 69384 or email chester.inner.npt@cheshire.pnn.police.uk.
