I have been contacted by several residents concerned by an increase in what has been advised an increase in aggressive begging around West Point in Leeds City Centre.
The Leeds Street Support Team are aware of several individuals begging, some aggressively, and/or rough sleeping in this area, and they are they being visited regularly and engaged with to encourage them to take up support.
Partners are aware that several local stores in the area are kindly supporting some of the individuals by looking after their belongings during the day and providing other support. This is making it harder for services to engage the individuals begging/rough sleeping into accepting formal, long-term support.
Partners, including West Yorkshire Police, will remind the stores that although what they are doing is noble and a very supportive thing in of itself, it is not helping support the individuals into the long-term help they need, and is sustaining the begging to remain in this area.
Residents and businesses are asked to use the following details to ensure those begging or rough sleeping are put contact with the right support.
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