POLICE are warning people in Taunton not to give money to beggars as they could be doing more harm than good.

Officers in the town centre have been working with charities to stamp out begging and associated anti-social behaviour.

They say many of the beggars are pestering passers by for spare change simply to buy drink and drugs.

Rather than hand over cash on the streets in the mistaken belief they are doing good, people should consider making a donation to a local charity instead.

Town centre beat officer PC Jim Breakwell said: "Unfortunately there are a small number of persistent beggars in the town who can be quite demanding and beg purely to fund a habit.

"We are currently trying to educate them that begging will not be accepted in the town, especially as there are fantastic support agencies such as Taunton Association for the Homeless, Open Door and the Foodbank that are there to help.

"There isn't any need for anyone to be begging on the streets of Taunton with the amount of help which is available to them.

"Anyone who sees this happening should call our team on 101.

"We'll always try to help people who have been reduced to begging, but there comes a point when those doing it persistently could find themselves being prosecuted."