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Police in one of Devon's most prosperous market towns are planning legal action to kick out two professional beggars who commute to the town every day by train - then go home to count their earnings.

Once at the station the two con artists split up and exploit the 'kind nature' of shoppers, before hopping back on the train to neighbouring Newton Abbot.

Totnes Police say they are building a file against the pair and want to apply for a Criminal Behaviour Order to ban them from the streets.

Illegal begging has been linked to drug supply and people in the affluent town have previously been labelled 'mugs' for being taken in so easily.

Police have explained how the pair work: "They split once in town to maximise income and exploit the increase in foot traffic and once satisfied, return to Newton Abbot.

"The intention is to apply for Criminal Behaviour Orders to ban these individuals from Totnes Town Centre.

Please do not allow these, effectively con artists, to take advantage of the kind nature of the Totnes community."

Totnes Police have tweeted about their plans.

It isn't the first time the town has experienced problems with professional beggars from Newton Abbot.

In 2017 a man who travelled to Totnes everyday told police that people in Totnes were ‘mugs’.

Police have linked their latest action to Operation Applerose which seeks to address drug use, supply and associated anti-social behaviour.