Homeless charities are welcoming a clampdown on beggars on our city streets

Clampdown on beggars. Credit: ITV Anglia.

Police in Norwich and Cambridge are clamping down on beggars demanding money from passers-by, in response to concerns from the public and businesses.170 people were warned in Norwich with 19 arrests for persistent begging. In Cambridge 11 people were spoken to.

Beggars can earn up to £250 a day on the streets but many, if not most, are not homeless.

It is an offence to beg under the 1824 Vagrancy Act. And those found persistently begging will be arrested and fined.

Last year's charity sleep out Credit: Benjamin Foundation.

Homeless charities say more needs to be done to prevent people ending up on the streets, especially as winter looms. The Benjamin Foundation in Norwich are staging a mass sleep out on Friday 11th November to raise awareness and funds. Find out more here

See Kate Prout's report here