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Begging merits zero tolerance
11:36am Friday 9th May 2008
Comments (9)Recently, I saw a healthy looking young man chain up an expensive bike to the railings opposite the Minster.
He then pulled on an old sweater, ruffled up his hair and went to sit and beg on steps in High Petergate. Rather than tackle him alone, I went to try and find a policeman in the town, but to no avail.
Buy a Big Issue or give to the Salvation Army or similar organisation, as they know exactly where your money can do most good.
But never give to beggars. It only encourages more to come and gives a very bad impression of York.
Posters should be displayed at the railway station, hotels and other tourist attractions explaining to visitors why York has a zero tolerance to beggars.
Drug dealing is one of the reasons, but being completely conned is another.
Judith Wojciechowski, Station Road, Riccall.
Mr Bush says I am persecuting troubled people (Shameful view of city beggars, Letters, May 5).
I'm not. My stance is against the army of professional beggars who have invaded York, not people in genuine trouble.
This is about a blight on York, a city whose lifeblood is tourism. It's about beggars who are happy to abuse everything and everyone they can - the benefits system, the city and its people.
Often clad in designer clothes, York's beggars are, among other things, quite happy to trade drugs, spirits and tobacco to children. Something I feel sure that Joseph Rowntree would have disapproved of.
Above all, this is about North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council, which are comprehensively failing in their legal responsibilities to protect people from the serious effects of vagrancy.
The future success of this city will be threatened if the rights of beggars and drunken thugs continue to be placed above those of decent people who live in and visit York, run businesses or work here.
David Hattersley, Lady Peckett's Yard, York.
Your Say YourYork Press
catty, york says...
4:49pm Fri 9 May 08
Redr, york says...
5:07pm Fri 9 May 08
Often clad in designer clothes, York's beggars are, among other things, quite happy to trade drugs, spirits and tobacco to children. Something I feel sure that Joseph Rowntree would have disapproved of.
Do you have evidence of this Mr. Hattersley and if so have you informed the police? It sounds to me like a sweeping generalisation based on prejudice and hearsay.
martin, York says...
7:57pm Fri 9 May 08
Surely they are preying on the weak who would not otherwise buy the magazine, but are made to feel guilty if they don't.
If you can sell magazines you can do a 'proper job'.
TooRad, york says...
8:33pm Fri 9 May 08
Judith Wojciechowski - clever use of words to make it look like beggars are putting on a disguise. Did he take off his mild mannered reporters suit and tie as well? Was he called Clark?
Mr Hattersley - Lies.
York's beggars are, among other things, quite happy to trade drugs, spirits and tobacco to childrenAll I can say is prove it. Prove it. Again, I'm in town all day every day. I haven't seen this. You know what? There are plenty of legitimate retailers who are quite happy to sell drugs, spirits and tobacco to children too. It's well reported in the Press.
I say again; professional begging is a way of procuring money. There are countless ways of procuring money that are just as bad. How far would you go for a quid? Would you sit in rags pretending to be the lowest of the low? Would you bare your breasts on page three? Would you allow your artwork or music to be used to sell cr@p that you don't like? Would you sell the right to concrete over green fields? Would you lie about beggars to protect your mini hotel empire?
Bemused, York says...
10:11pm Fri 9 May 08
Above all, this is about North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council, which are comprehensively failing in their legal responsibilities to protect people from the serious effects of vagrancy.
Not sure about the council having any responsibility at all, but it's the duty of the police to enforce the law, in this case the Vagrancy Act of 1824. Where is the problem in doing this?
rodneysdog, york says...
12:02am Sun 11 May 08
rodneysdog, york says...
12:02am Sun 11 May 08
Ali, York says...
1:02pm Mon 12 May 08
Often clad in designer clothes
I've never seen a beggar in designer clothes!
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John, says...
11:43am Fri 9 May 08
I suppose it is possible that one or two of these " beggars" are actually plain clothed coppers keeping an eye out for street crime, and that is preventing any official action?
Just a thought!