Four police officers who 'stole cash from street beggars' are suspended



A police force has launched an investigation into its own officers after claims that they took cash from street beggars.

Four West Midlands Police officers were suspended and sent home on December 1 after suspicious colleagues raised concerns about their conduct.

The force's Professional Standards Unit was then called in to investigate claims that money was stolen from beggars, believed to be Eastern European, in the Bordesley Green area of Birmingham.

Cheated: Beggars in the Bordesley Green area of Birmingham are believed to have been treated badly by police

The allegations involve the mishandling of property taken from members of the public 'that could amount to theft'.

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thompson voluntarily referred the matter to police watchdogs, the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

It will now examine the matter to see whether it needs to be involved in the investigation.

'We are also working closely with communities to endeavour that any of their concerns are resolved as soon as possible,' he said.

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman would not comment on the beggar claims. She said: 'The allegations involve mishandling of property taken from members of the public that could amount to theft.

'The enquiry came to light when some members of the team highlighted concerning practices.' Street begging and rogue traders are known to operate in the area.

Trouble: Four officers have been suspended following the allegations

Some Eastern Europeans offer passing motorists car-washing services but because the work is illegal, the practice is classed as begging.

West Midlands Police launched a crackdown on rogue traders and aggressive begging in the city centre in the first week of August, following persistent complaints.

During the city centre operation, 17 people were arrested and charged with begging-related offences.

Officers involved in the crackdown later donated £120 to homeless charity the Big Issue.