PEOPLE are being tricked out of hundreds of pounds every day organised criminal groups posing begging on the streets of a well-to-do area of Somerset.

Police in Wells are reporting a hike in bogus beggars pretending to be in need to fleece generous locals and tourists in the popular city.

A spokesperson for Wells Neighbourhood Policing said there has been an increase in con artists raking in cash from unsuspecting donors in the past few weeks.

They said: "Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team have seen an increase in organised begging on Wells High Street over the past weeks.

"The Wells NPT are aware that the residents of Wells and its surrounding area have an open mind when it comes to begging and wish to support people in need and we as your local policing team do too.

"Some homeless individuals choose to live this way, some have this life forced upon them due to circumstances beyond their control, but these people are part of our community and are treated with respect and offered any and all support we can offer.

"However, unfortunately we do have people that frequent our affluent area on a regular basis in order to take advantage of people’s good nature.

"Organised begging as part of an organised crime group is something that does effect Wells."

Before lockdown, one man received three warnings for begging.

Each time, police offered support on where to receive food, shelter and health care.

The final warning resulted in arrest and when taken into custody it was found he had more than £300 in cash on him from the day’s takings.

The spokesperson said: "Organised begging is a lucrative act and our residents are being conned out of hundreds of pounds each day with false stories and fabricated circumstances."

Mendip officers work on a three-stage process when combatting begging in the Wells area:

  • First offence: a verbal warning and the person is signposted as to where they can receive support.
  • Second offence: a written warning highlighting the offences of begging as well as a list of helplines, where to find the local support charity and emergency support contact numbers.
  • Third and final warning: police arrest the person for the offences they have been warned about.

Begging is an offence under The Vagrancy Act 1824.