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Cheeky beggars
Bethan Dorsett15/ 9/2007
CHEEKY beggars are sticking two fingers up at the law – by setting up camp below Rochdale police station.
As police, council and court workers arrive for work, vagrants are regularly spotted snoozing in their sleeping bags in a car park.
Their presence is not only intimidating, according to community safety’s Lee Durrant, but also poses a health risk.
“It is unnerving to see them when you arrive for work at 7.30am, especially as evidence suggests that they have been taking drugs,” he said.
“Excrement and even used syringes have been found with the sleeping bags. It is a two-fold problem as these people are later seen begging in the town centre.”
Following several complaints, the police have moved to tackle the problem with the launch of a clampdown codenamed Operation Trolley.
Officers will be busy gathering intelligence before moving in to prosecute repeat offenders, but a long-term solution is essential according to Inspector James Troisi.
He said: “It is ironic these people are sleeping rough just a stone’s throw away from the police station and the courts, but I suppose if you are desperate you will sleep anywhere.
“Begging was a problem raised at the Rochdale Township committee just this week and was also raised by businesses during a meeting last month.
“Arrests could potentially just move the problem on to other areas in town.
“It could also lead to a Catch 22 situation. The beggars are forced to go out to beg because they have been fined by the courts.
“Operation Trolley will involve intelligence gathering, but also working with partners like the council as well as organizations which help the homeless.
“As this operation is in its early stages the first move is a sweep of the area, where officers will go out on the streets and visit the car park to get a full picture of the situation.”
In the meantime, anyone with information is asked to call the police on 0161 856 9961 or email rochdalenorthpartnership@gmp.police.uk
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15/09/2007 at 22:18
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