Summer to bring increased begging numbers

ISSUE: There has been community concern about disorderly behaviour in the Napier CBD. PHOTO/FILE

Although numbers of those begging in the Napier CBD have dropped off, they are set to rise again as summer approaches.

Earlier this year actions to address begging in the Napier CBD were increased, after attention was drawn to the city's growing population of beggars and homeless people, who had been blamed for increased reports of disorderly behaviour in the CBD.

Yesterday Napier City Business Inc manager Zoe Barnes - whose organisation represents about 400 Napier businesses - said reports of begging had "eased off" recently.

"But it seems to be ramping back up again as we get into peak season, which we expected would happen."

During warmer months there are typically more reports of begging and rough sleepers.

Actions from a cross sector group seeking to address the problem are continuing, such as to assist those who are part of a begging syndicate in the CBD, Whatever It Takes (W.I.T) general manager Caroline Lampp said.

This was a group of around six beggars working together in central Napier, with a leader "in charge of them all".

The members of the group had certain spots around town where they would beg, with the group co-ordinated by one person.

"It should be a concern for everyone," she said.

W.I.T also works with Napier City Council, and Hawke's Bay Police.

Council community strategies manager Natasha Carswell said although there had been fluctuations, and summer had brought an increase in numbers, there had been improvements.

These included reduced numbers of people sleeping rough, fewer people begging regularly, and donations being made to the Outreach Service.

"We're pleased that several rough sleepers have been housed, and a reduction in complaints made to Council, as well as a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour in and around Clive Square," she said.

Security patrols - which began around August - had provided information to police which had contributed to several arrests. These would be continuing through summer.

Ms Carswell said these results were also due to the Outreach Service, and Helping Hands campaign which encourages people to donate to legitimate agencies, rather than giving to those begging.

Hawke's Bay Area Commander Inspector Dave Greig said police were continuing to work with the Napier City Council, and social agencies to address the issues motivating people to beg.

"While police and council prefer to work with these people to get them the assistance they need, if they act in a manner so as to intimidate or threaten community members, Police will take action," he said.

"Police take any reports which relate to threatening behaviour seriously and investigations could result in the arrest of those responsible. Following warnings, individuals will face charges."

Mr Greig said their message to the community was that there were options for those in need to get assistance, "beyond the short term donation of loose change".

Anyone who experienced intimidation or threatening behaviour from such people were
encouraged to report it to the police immediately.