Local Priorities Homelessness/begging Message

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Homelessness/begging, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

I would like to provide an update regarding homelessness and street begging within Canterbury City Centre. Homelessness remains an ongoing challenge in our city, which attracts a high volume of footfall due to its historic heritage, compact centre, and vibrant businesses. Through a coordinated, multi-agency approach, we have seen a positive decrease in rough sleeping across the city centre by prioritizing shelter and support for those in need. Organisations such as Porchlight, Catching Lives, and The Salvation Army continue to do vital work by offering shelter, food, and welfare support. Canterbury Beat Officers also regularly engage with vulnerable individuals to check on their well-being and refer them to these specialist agencies.

Recently, we have identified an organised group of individuals (both male and female) operating a begging network on the High Street and in nearby underpasses. Following targeted investigations, Community Protection Warnings (CPWs) have been issued to these individuals for persistent begging. We would like to clarify to the public that the individuals involved in this specific network are not homeless and have access to housing and financial support. We ask the public to remain observant and report any sightings of this organised begging group, including the location and time. This allows Canterbury Beat Officers to intervene in this deceptive activity, which actively diverts generous public donations and vital resources away from the vulnerable individuals who genuinely need our community's support.

Kind regards,
PC 30401 PITCHER
Canterbury Beat Officer

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.kent.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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