Police target "dangerous" begging hotspots amid safety concerns

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Police in Rochdale have stepped up efforts to tackle persistent begging at dangerous locations on the town’s busiest roads, citing safety concerns and links to organised crime.

Officers from Rochdale North and Rochdale East Neighbourhood teams have been addressing complaints about individuals begging on the central reservations of Edinburgh Way and St Mary’s Gate/Whitworth Road, areas where traffic moves at 40mph on dual carriageways.

Sergeant Walsh of Rochdale North Neighbourhood said the activities are both illegal and hazardous, posing risks to the individuals and causing distractions for drivers. Complaints from residents have also highlighted concerns about feeling intimidated when stationary in traffic at these junctions.

“Some of the individuals who have been begging at these locations have told us that they are getting up to £200 a day, which would explain why they are so persistent with it,” said Sgt Walsh.

“This is obviously very worrying as many of these individuals suffer from substance misuse and they are at the roadside begging to use the money to buy drugs or alcohol. This money is then getting into the hands of organised crime groups who deal the drugs to them.”

The police have urged members of the public to reconsider giving money directly to those begging, as it may inadvertently contribute to the cycle of addiction and crime. Instead, they are encouraging donations to charities supporting homelessness and addiction recovery.

The police stressed that enforcement is a last resort, preceded by efforts to engage with individuals, assess their needs, and make referrals to partner agencies for support.

“I would also like to reassure people that prior to enforcement we have given the individuals plenty of chances to stop begging at these locations,” said Sgt Walsh. “We speak to them, identify any safeguarding needs, and put referrals in for any partner agencies who may be able to support them.”

Sgt Walsh confirmed that recent cases involved individuals who were not rough sleepers. If rough sleepers are encountered, he said officers would always involve the local authority homelessness team and other agencies to provide help.

Enforcement actions last week included the arrest of a woman who persistently begged at the junction of Edinburgh Way while accompanied by a large dog off its lead. She was arrested for breaching her bail conditions and was remanded to court the following day.

Another individual, a man frequently seen begging at St Mary’s Gate opposite Dunelm, was arrested for breaching a community protection notice. He was charged and bailed to appear in court at a later date.

Additionally, a community protection warning was issued to one man at St Mary’s Gate, and another individual received a community protection notice, a step closer to enforcement.