Begging outside shops etc, should be stopped?

[Bookingsmamas]

Shouldn’t these places have their security move these people on? It’s absolutely getting ridiculous now. I’ve seen a steady increase of these men begging for cash, they’re homeless, etc etc.

I have 0 issue with someone sitting outside somewhere asking for money. But they aren’t doing that, they’re going up to cars, people walking by. And now tapping on my bloody car. Twice since going to our local Aldi, someone has tapped?! On my car when I’ve tried to ignore them politely.

It just feels very intrusive. AIBU to think security should be stopping them or encouraging them to move along? Our local shopping centre is excellent and moving these people straight on

@Devlesko. Agree. I’ve volunteered with the homeless around here for years as I said above

I never knew people thought so badly of the homeless. I’ve never met a gang run homeless person.

I’ve met desperate people. I met women. Pregnant women and people from backgrounds that make you weep. Men from backgrounds of sexual and neglectful childhoods. Most homeless people don’t become homeless alone…..there’s always some force behind it.

We’re all one paycheck away from it in reality.

Lots live paycheck to paycheck. How would they cope if you went 6 months. Deeper and deeper. In reality a lot of homeless people just simply lost their jobs. That was the start of the downward spiral

I don't think people should be allowed to beg and intimidate people and I never give money to them at all

Our town centre is quite hot on moving them on but my elderly relatives are put off going shopping with it all

Plus if you give them money you're probably only feeding a habit

@omgthepain

I don't think people should be allowed to beg and intimidate people and I never give money to them at all

Our town centre is quite hot on moving them on but my elderly relatives are put off going shopping with it all

Plus if you give them money you're probably only feeding a habit

So, let them starve as long as it's not in your town centre.

@Devlesko
They will not starve don't be so melodramatic

I meant they shouldn't intimidate people

There's help out there for people to access nobody will be starving

@murbblurb

the real charities and organisations for the homeless (Shelter does not provide Shelter) tell you not to give to beggars. Instead give to the support organisations.

In the UK, many of these people are not what they seem, or do not get to keep what is given to them.

This.

Many of the people you see begging in cities are professional beggars, they are not homeless.

Most who are not will spent the money you give them on drugs.

If you genuinely want to help homeless people then give your time, money or in kind donations to a charity. There are small and large ones in most areas - everything from Shelter to tiny local groups.

[quote omgthepain]@Devlesko
They will not starve don't be so melodramatic

I meant they shouldn't intimidate people

There's help out there for people to access nobody will be starving [/quote]
Sadly not enough help, but you stick to your Nimby principles.

[quote omgthepain]@Devlesko
They will not starve don't be so melodramatic

I meant they shouldn't intimidate people

There's help out there for people to access nobody will be starving [/quote]
Oh, the naivety.

I think you make an excellent point OP.

We could have a discussion about the rights and wrongs of it, but the bottom line is shops are facing more and more of a challenge from internet shopping, if people don't feel comfortable out shopping then they simply won't go, causing job losses and reinforcing a vicious cycle.

Op, if you’re still there! I get exactly what you mean. Near my local b&m a man stands by the trolleys waiting to take your pound off you. He asks for change and it’s the most akward thing because obviously you have it, he said to me “I’ll have that pound when you return” i didn’t bother getting a trolley, I went straight in and asked a member of staff to get me one with my pound coin. They were really helpful and I noticed he wasn’t outside when I returned.

I’d noticed him there a few times, so I just avoid that one now. I do feel bad for people in that situation but I do feel it can be very intimidating.

[quote omgthepain]@Devlesko
They will not starve don't be so melodramatic

I meant they shouldn't intimidate people

There's help out there for people to access nobody will be starving [/quote]
They do and often starve

We just don’t have the resources for homeless people.

They also freeze to death quite often in the uk

I shop online and this reminds me of another benefit in doing so. However, my teenage DD us keen to shop with her friends and I don't want her harassed as viewed as an easy target.

If women in cars are told to ignore it, are teenagers and children just supposed to ignore intimidation too?