Begging WILL NOT be tolerated in Yeovil

POLICE have vowed to crackdown on beggars in Yeovil town centre after finding one person was earning a staggering £140 a week by begging.

Sgt Jamie Rees told Yeovil Press today (Tuesday, October 9, 2013) that a person – who claimed they were earning £20 per day seven days a week – had been arrested and charged this week with begging and would soon be appearing at South Somerset Magistrates.

“That’s £560 a month on top of £400 in benefits,” said Sgt Rees.

“We’ve listened and responded to what the public see as a priority for the Yeovil town centre.

“Anti-social behaviour, such as begging, effects the community, local businesses and the general feel of the town. We have been working hard to tackle these issues and will continue to do so.”

PHOTO - TOP: One beggar said they were "earning" £20 a day by asking for money from shoppers in Yeovil town centre.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Sgt Jamie Rees has said that begging was an offence and will not be tolerated in Yeovil.

Sgt Rees posted news about the arrest and the money claimed to have been earned by the beggar on the social media Facebook page, Yeovil Real News, and admitted he had been “shocked” by the findings.

Although some Facebook users were also equally shocked by his news, some suggested that Sgt Rees’ comments would “stir up” trouble and hatred towards street beggars.

But Sgt Rees told Yeovil Press: “Begging is a crime and will not be tolerated.”

He said that if anyone wanted to donate to help homeless people there were genuine charities in the area.

“I would discourage people from handing out cash to anyone who is begging,” he added.

The beggar has been bailed by police on condition that they do not loiter in any road or public place and do not enter Westminster Street, Yeovil.

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