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'Aggressive begging' has been described as one of the biggest issues facing businesses in Cardiff city centre.

Some beggars in Cardiff have allegedly used 'aggressive' tactics such as blocking people's path and 'coercing' money from them - and are reportedly becoming abusive when this is refused.

Nick Newman, chairman of Cardiff Licensees Forum, said aggressive begging was the biggest concern affecting licensed businesses in the city.

South Wales Police is conducting operations to clamp down on begging and anti-social behaviour in the capital following complaints by businesses, residents and visitors and Cardiff council has asked people not to give money directly to people who are begging.

Homeless charity The Wallich says while antisocial behaviour is unacceptable rough sleepers are far more likely to be a victim of crime than commit a crime themselves.

Mr Newman, who manages The Philharmonic in St Mary Street, said he had been verbally and physically assaulted by aggressive beggars.

He said: "Genuine cases of homeless people and people who need our help are almost invisible because of another type of person out there who is aggressively begging, engaging in petty theft, in drug dealing and drug taking.

(Image: Rob Browne)

"For my colleagues it's the number one business concern that they have. I'm not passing any judgement, I'm stating what I'm seeing and what my colleagues are seeing.

"I would urge people to support organisations that help people in the right and targeted way."

Police launched Operation Purple Ash last October to to clamp down on begging and anti-social behaviour within the city centre.

Officers say the operation is not intended to 'move on' homeless people from the city's streets but to encourage them to find appropriate support.

A South Wales Police spokeswoman said: "The operation was the result of an increase in complaints from visitors, residents and businesses around the number of people begging and undertaking alcohol related anti-social behaviour within the city centre. Such behaviour can prove intimidating, unpleasant and unwelcoming to those visiting or working in the area.

"Those found to be begging are dealt will be subject to a range of options, from diversion to third sector opportunities, but also summons or arrest for persistent beggars. Officers also have the power to confiscate alcohol and ban street drinkers from a designated area under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

"Our action is intended to deal with persistent beggars and street drinkers but also giving us the opportunity to engage with some of the more vulnerable members of the community, working with our partners to signpost a variety of help and support services available to them."

The Wallich has delivered training to South Wales Police on the psychology of homelessness and its implications for policing.

Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, chief executive of The Wallich, said: "Homelessness is increasing in Wales and more people are sleeping rough on the streets of our towns and cities. Anti-social behaviour sometimes happens and that’s unacceptable; however, the police have appropriate powers to challenge this.

“It is important to remember that most of the people we are talking about, with regards to homelessness, are real and they are vulnerable. Shockingly, people living on the streets are far more likely to be a victim of crime than commit a crime themselves.

"According to research from Crisis, people sleeping on the street are almost 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence and 15 times more likely to have suffered verbal abuse in the past year compared to the general public."

The Give DIFFerently campaign has been launched to provide an alternative method of giving by donating to a fund to help individual projects helping homeless people.

Cardiff council cabinet member for housing and communities Councillor Lynda Thorne said: "We know that the public have genuine concerns about those they see on the streets and have a strong desire to help by donating money but giving directly to individuals who beg only reinforces a street-based lifestyle and can be a barrier preventing them from seeking the wide range of help available in the city from accommodation to other support services.

“We don’t want generous people to stop giving but there is a better way to support vulnerable individuals.

"We’re pleased to back Give DIFFerently, an alternative method for people to donate which helps move people away from homelessness, and would encourage others to use this way of supporting those in need."