I would never ever EVER give money to a begger. I understand it seems snobby of me but they just disgust me most of them. Obviously there are some really exceptional cases like if they are terribly ill or crippled or what not. I do realise how easy it is to land yourself in that sort of situation but imo, once you beg you've just given up trying. And not to generalise but naturally not all beggers are drunks or junkies but A LOT are, most the time thats the reason they're on the streets in the first place.

I don't think jailing them is the solution tho, regardless of my opinion I wouldnt consider it a crime.

[rquote=2605573&tid=148108&author=Mr.Corrie]I give what I can spare[/rquote]


The Junkies among those Beggers you give to,
Love You
as you are Stupid - Paying for there next Fix or booze.
That is No Solution.

If you dont like just dont give them money. Its only a problem if they start hassling you for money.

[rquote=2605956&tid=148108&author=SurferJay]If you dont like just dont give them money. Its only a problem if they start hassling you for money.[/rquote]


And Those that do that
are Scum.

I dunno if 'scum' is the right word, but SurferJay is right - what is wrong is to imprison them for this.

I believe it's on a "three strike" basis - the first two time a beggar is caught they'll be cautioned, the third results in arrest.

[rquote=2606486&tid=148108&author=Shaun]I dunno if 'scum' is the right word, but SurferJay is right - what is wrong is to imprison them for this.

I believe it's on a "three strike" basis - the first two time a beggar is caught they'll be cautioned, the third results in arrest.[/rquote]

Thats quite a flawed and idealistic thing though. They need help, not to be given cautions. And a lot of them will see it in the way that if they're caught three times then they'll get a bed for the night and some food