March 1, 2004
Matthew Taylor
The Guardian

A weekend crackdown on begging in London has been branded "totally inappropriate" by a leading homelessness charity.

The policy of taking the DNA and fingerprints of beggars in Westminster began last night. Crisis said it will "criminalise some of society's most vulnerable" people.

"Embarking on costly crackdowns is a waste of public money and grossly demeaning to homeless people," it said.

Westminster is thought to have about 300 beggars.

Police officers will arrest beggars spotted by council teams and take fingerprints and a DNA sample.

The council said in a statement: "Beggars identified as repeat offenders or those that are active around cashpoints will be considered for post conviction ASBOs [anti-social behaviour orders] if their behaviour continues."

Social workers will provide advice to beggars who are also homeless.

Crisis said: "Begging is unacceptable and must end. But it's a stark sign of social deprivation, and unless this is recognised the problem will not be solved."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1158390,00.html