Beggars, homeless, street drinkers & drug users in Sheffield!

[paula4sheff]

I'm not too sure what else can be done if the public INSIST on giving money.

 

The facts/figures, the police, local groups, charities, residents, ALL pointing out that these people are NOT homeless - and STILL people give! It's crazy really.

 

Probably the solution is for police to start being more proactive and issuing fines/arrests.

[Fudbeer]

I'm not too sure what else can be done if the public INSIST on giving money.

 

The facts/figures, the police, local groups, charities, residents, ALL pointing out that these people are NOT homeless - and STILL people give! It's crazy really.

 

Probably the solution is for police to start being more proactive and issuing fines/arrests.

 

I think education in colleges/uni might help.

[centralguy]

Yes seen him hanging around bargain booze the 24 hour off licences on West Street am sure those places would go bust if it was not for "street drinkers" is there really demand for alcohol all night/morning on weekdays?

 

Yeah thats the bloke. That corner is like the wild west. Its a shame, I moved into the centre about 4 years ago and actually it was quite pleasant. Now both myself and my other half feel that its no longer safe and got worse rapidly so are looking to move elsewhere asap.

 

I may be wrong, but I think its only a matter of time until one of the more unpleasant beggars desperate for a fix takes a swing at someone (or worse) who doesn't feel intimidated into giving. Watch this space!

[SkylinePhoto]

I'm not too sure what else can be done if the public INSIST on giving money.

 

The facts/figures, the police, local groups, charities, residents, ALL pointing out that these people are NOT homeless - and STILL people give! It's crazy really.

 

Probably the solution is for police to start being more proactive and issuing fines/arrests.

 

I think its either begging or shoplifting.

 

I guess the police and council would prefer them to beg. Less paperwork

[pattricia]

Has anyone had to deal with the huge hulking bloke who sometimes walks with a crutch? Always used to ask for 9p?

 

Hes a real nasty epic of work, if you dont give he dishes out some right abuse.

 

Yes a friend of my sons was accosted by this nut case a few weeks ago.

 

---------- Post added 08-09-2017 at 14:22 ----------

 

Only in this day and age could you get a post like this .

 

Damn beggars seeking sympathy - look at the little doggies sad eyes.....

 

Let's focus on the bigger issue eh?

 

The bigger issue ? To me the dogs are a bigger issue. Most of these beggars go back to a hostel every night. They are NOT homeless and most are on benefits !

[Guest makapaka]

Yes a friend of my sons was accosted by this nut case a few weeks ago.

 

---------- Post added 08-09-2017 at 14:22 ----------

 

 

The bigger issue ? To me the dogs are a bigger issue. Most of these beggars go back to a hostel every night. They are NOT homeless and most are on benefits !

 

What a strange point of view.

[SkylinePhoto]

There was an article in The Star last night regarding begging in Sheffield.

 

http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/street-beggars-make-sheffield-city-centre-a-third-world-country-with-professionals-raking-in-100-a-day-1-8742368

[Mister M]

Let me assure you that I know what I am talking about- i work with these people, and kbow most of the 'beggars' ib town. They are not homeless, but are experts in telling people what they want to hear. Our major problem is yhat they will not engage with support and help because they make too much money for drug from begging. Thinking otherwise is deluded. Dogs are a well know help with this and are used as a way to make more money.

 

I am not judging-these are the facts. Please look up the incredibly low amount of rough sleepers in sheffield. The fact that someone is telling you they are rough sleeping is probably a lie. Drug addicts will do and say anything. If you want to help- talk to them, dirext them to help, but please don't give them money and make the jobs of support charities harder than they already are.

 

I'm surprised that as someone who works with the homeless, (presumably in the front line), you've not focussed your anger on some of the so called charities that also work with the homeless; many of whose chief executives and the like, attend conferences at plush hotels, to discuss homeless related issues and network with other professionals in the area:

 

https://johnnyvoid.wordpress.com/2015/06/22/shameless-charity-bosses-to-gather-in-luxury-hotel-for-715-homelessness-conference/

 

Many of those attending these conferences head up organisations also give out the direct advice not to give to homeless people.

The whole thing stinks quite frankly.

 

Yes there are people begging on the street who aren't rough sleepers - many will have addiction, mental health problems; and feel so much at rock bottom that they are reduced to begging. Yes there will also be those on the streets who take the mick - but there are plenty who work in the homeless industry, and get paid handsomely, that do the same.

Edited September 8, 2017 by Mister M

[redruby]

Charities may not be perfect but handing out cash to beggars is worse. Money going straight to drug dealers and all the wonderful things that go along with that.

Would you prefer to hand money directly to person with a serious health condition rather than give it to a charity that can channel its funds to appropriate support/medical research etc for that condition? A homeless charity will direct funds to providing real help to homeless people. Handing money to beggars will at best provide a genuine person with some very short term help and at worst goes straight to drug dealers and funds criminal activities.

[Penistone999]

Id rather have the beggars than the chuggers.