RESIDENTS are being urged not to give cash to beggars targeting shoppers in the centre of Boscombe.

The Daily Echo watched two female vagrants sat next to a ticket machine at a public car park on Hawkwood Road, located just behind the suburb's main shopping area, repeatedly ask for money from people taking out their wallets and purses to pay for their tickets.

The two women claimed to be homeless and blamed their situation on "immigrants taking our jobs and houses".

Dorset Police revealed there were 46 recorded reports of begging offences in Boscombe during 2014 and 15 in the first three months of this year.

Bournemouth East Neighbourhood Inspector Alan Setchell said: “Although we receive a limited number of reports of begging offences in Boscombe, local police officers supported by Community Safety Accreditation Scheme wardens continue to respond to community concerns surrounding such incidents.

“Incidents of begging and anti-social behaviour will be dealt with robustly and officers will continue to use Section 35 dispersal powers under The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to legally require anyone acting in an intimidating or anti-social manner to leave a prescribed area; for a period not exceeding 48 hours.

“Members of the public with concerns about any anti-social behaviour in the area are actively encouraged to contact Dorset Police on 101.”

And ward councillor Chris Wakefield acknowledged there is a problem with beggars in the area.

“I really feel for people who resort to this,” he said. “But there are charities which support people who live on the streets and experience difficulties.

“I would encourage the general public not to hand money to anyone who approaches them. By giving them money you are encouraging them to come back to that same spot and harass people.

“I would urge anyone who experiences this kind of harassment to ring the police. When I have contacted them they have always reacted as fast as they can.”

The council’s head of strategic housing, Lorraine Mealings, said a multi-agency approach is being taken to tackle the issue.

“This has involved the police carrying out targeted begging patrols to move people on,” she added.

“We want to help people who are homeless and rough sleeping to come in off the streets and to do this we need to make sure that money intended to help homeless people is used in the best way possible.

As part of our Begging Awareness campaign launched last year, we have been raising awareness amongst the public not to give money directly to people who are begging as this can perpetuate the problem.

“The begging awareness campaign will divert money to the Town’s rough sleeper team which will enhance services to help people come inside quickly”