“Three strikes” crackdown on Huddersfield beggars

Jul 22 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

BEGGARS in Huddersfield have been warned – three strikes and you’re out.

Huddersfield South Neighbourhood Policing Team, which looks after the town centre, is telling them they face getting locked up the third time they’re caught.

Under the new hardline initiative, beggars get a verbal warning the first time they’re spotted.

The second time they get a more formal warning letter also offering help and advice.

But those caught for a third time are banged up.

One man is already on bail having been arrested under the three strikes rule.

A 30-year-old woman is due at Huddersfield Magistrates’ Court today as police show they mean business.

Sgt Rachel Bairstow said: “Begging is an offence and can have knock on effects on people visiting Huddersfield town centre.

“It also has links to alcohol and can often result in issues concerning anti-social behaviour.

“This is clearly not desirable within a town centre. We want people to be able to enjoy the shopping and nightscene in Huddersfield without the threat of being approached or pestered.”