It beggars belief ...

Published 30 Sep 2012 09:00 19 Comments

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A RISE in the number of beggars in Dunfermline's High Street has been described as "very disappointing".

There have been reports to Fife police about an increase in the number of people asking for money in the city centre.

Councillor Mike Rumney, the chair of the City of Dunfermline area committee, said, "I'm aware there's been an increase, especially in the High Street and mostly around the entrance to the Kingsgate and at the Mercat Cross.

"It's very difficult to do anything specific as it seems to be different people every day but it doesn't do the reputation of Dunfermline any good whatsoever.

"Begging is something that is now prevalent in towns and city centres.

"We are working with the police and other agencies to combat this but the increase is very disappointing."

Community inspector Phil Davison said, "Police are dealing with a few reports of beggars in the High Street and they are being dealt with on a case by case basis.

"It's something we are monitoring closely."

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char
139 posts
Sep 30, 12:09
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These aren't your typical beggars - They're jakies wanting another 20p to buy some cheap cider or so they can offer that 20p for a single fag off someone.

I don't live in Dunfermline anymore but was over last week and was shocked by a group of down and outs hanging around the High Street entrance to the Kingsgate bothering folk for pocket change. This needs dealt with before it becomes an issue. Its hard enough for retailers without shoppers being put off by jakies and pushy Big Issue sellers.

I know it sounds harsh but there's ways of doing things. Nothing wrong with asking for spare change but approaching people minding their own business isn't the way to do it. Can imagine this sort of thing would really put off families from shopping in town.

There's similar issues across the country but it would be good if we could nip it in the bud in Dunfermline, especially if Dunfermline is trying to attract more tourists!

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Chromedome
17 posts
Sep 30, 12:19
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I have to say that I've been approached in the past, and the single word "No" seems to work. It's not just the beggars that are making a trip into town a bit unpleasant though.

In the Kingsgate you have to run the gauntlet of stalls run by media concerns, insurance/vehicle recovery services, financial services companies plus charities, all of whom are a bit "forward" in their methods. In the High Street we have periodic invasions of chuggers who are determined to be "persistently friendly and positive at you" but merely succeed in being aggressively complete pains in the fundament, and put you off any support for the charity that their agency has the current contract with.

Honestly.... I go into town less and less, but when I do start out in a good mood which very soon evaporates.

Recommend? Yes 53 No 1
char
139 posts
Sep 30, 12:56
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They are (the stall people) very annoying. If I wanted Sky, AA or a miracle cream I wouldn't buy it from a stall. It's the same in the Gyle and Ocean Terminal. Horrid.

Recommend? Yes 46 No 2
DrewCarnegie
67 posts
Sep 30, 14:41
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Zero tolerance from the Police is required and arrest the beggars, this might deter them from taking the easy route and may even contemplate getting a job.

Recommend? Yes 37 No 7
redrobin
296 posts
Sep 30, 15:26
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You would think the easy answer is to say no to these people, however they persist.

When approached recently I said no however I was followed and asked again. I said no for a second time..followed for a third time and asked again (same guy) I said what don't you understand about the word no!?...Don't do that, I thought I was gonna get a head butt as the guy put his alcoholic fueled breath into my face (09.30.a.m.)

Word of advice, if u say no and they persist and ur intention is to go the hole in the wall for cash, delay and make sure the coast is clear.

Talking of persistence....anyone else experiencing an increase in tele sales calls?

I have had the same firm phone me 5 times now. So on call number 5....I said you will need to speak to my wife , I'll get her for u. (no intention of course)

Laid the phone down better entertainment than the telly to hear the caller every few minutes 'hello are you there'....'Hello sir are u there'....'hello'....after 5 minutes line went dead.

If I get call number 6 which is highly likely...plan B..will be put into operation...no it's a secret.

Recommend? Yes 34 No 2
Catlady57
39 posts
Sep 30, 21:13
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Most of these so-called beggars are not homeless down and outs - Dunfermline has a very good record of dealing with homelessness. These are the parents of the 'children living in poverty' who need more money for fags, drink and drugs.

They will be claiming Income Support, Council tax and rent rebates, even Incapacity Benefit if they are classed as alcoholics or have a drug addiction. So with nothing else to do all day they prey on shoppers who have worked to earn their money or pensioners who have a pittance to live on.

Dunfermline is struggling to attract businesses and these people make us choose to travel to Livingston or other towns to get a decent range of shops

It is time the town centre was cleared of these parasites as they are driving even more people away from our town centre.

Recommend? Yes 21 No 2
char
139 posts
Sep 30, 22:06
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The other place seems to be the bus station. Seems to be notorious for neds. Where are they coming from? It's not like Dunfermline is a particularly poor town. Most people on above average wages and unemployment around or below the national level. What is it about Dunfermline town centre that attracts them like moths to a flame? Certainly can't be getting much money off ticht Fifers ;-)

Recommend? Yes 15 No 0
******
Sep 30, 22:41
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darkknight
27 posts
Oct 1, 03:29
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One could say this is becoming a "Big Issue".

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kaka30
327 posts
Oct 1, 08:55
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Ive all ways thought & still do think that the Big Issue is a great idea. I also think that Buskers are brilliant, they bring vibrance to City centres. So i buy the Big Issue & i give change to the Buskers but these other people are a nuisance, yes they obviously have social problems & addictions but they arent homeless and they get their state benifits like everybody else so they have no right to pester the general public who in some cases probably arent that much better off.

Recommend? Yes 10 No 1
B2theB
189 posts
Oct 1, 11:24
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Always look at the beggar or Big Issue seller's shoes.

If they're as good or better than yours, then they don't need the cash.

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MrsScottsWeeLaddie
48 posts
Oct 1, 13:14
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Agree with nearly all the comments. Town Planners please take note!

Try to ignore beggars, I do, but sometimes they don't make it easy? The Town planners/police should do a bit more to get a handle on / reduce town centre begging. When it comes to charity collecting, I'm not sure how this works but presume you don't just turn up and start collecting? If there is permission that's required, those who allocate it need to cut down on the numbers collecting for charities etc and the style of collecting - this tactic where half a dozen people with a Charity bib or jacket on, form a cordon and approach everyone in the street seeking donations/ standing orders/regular contributions is particularly unpleaseant.

Big Issue people by and large are fairly well mannered to be fair, but can still be another hassle to try to get around!

As for the Kingsgate they certainly need to reduce the number of businessess/ subscriptions/ charities etc. operating on the concourse, unless they want to chase shoppers away? Should make it pleasant for shoppers to attract them in, not a bind so as they're chased away?

Recommend? Yes 17 No 0
maclam
335 posts
Oct 1, 15:37
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for the police to fully enforce a zero tolerance approach at all times they will have to be there . a police presence must be there at all times evenings as well as during the day ( preferably on foot ) . the public were always told that the cctv cameras would not affect police operations in the town centre yet police foot patrols over the years appear to have been reduced with an over reliance on the cctv system and random mobile patrols clearly obvious.

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Mikeintheknow
37 posts
Oct 1, 18:19
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What about the Romanian gypsies? There come around every so often with 2-3 very sad looking young woman, That needs to be sorted out....

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char
139 posts
Oct 1, 20:16
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In Edinburgh there's a Romanian gypsies everywhere. They tend to only beg at key times. I used to see them get dropped off in the morning. When they're finished the mobiles come out whilst they wait on a bus back. All part of a gang. Don't give them money but also don't mess with them - there'll be fellas in the area ready to duff you one.

Recommend? Yes 12 No 0
kaka30
327 posts
Oct 2, 09:26
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I was in Glasgow recently when a young guy asked me for some change for a bottle of wine, not a cup of tea or bus fare but a bottle of wine. He got some change because of his honesty !!!!! Ha ha

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midge1
58 posts
Oct 3, 00:47
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I used to buy the big issue because the kids were trying to do something with their lives but now I find most cant even speak english ,polite as they are if they cant find work in their own country ,why are they allowed to come here to beg, bet its because they get more hand outs so they can send money home .One guy I saw in Alloa selling big issue very polite better shoes than my old man hailing taxi when he was finished begging

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MakeScotlandSafer
2 posts
Oct 3, 05:40
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This is part of a bigger issue for our city centres. Zero tolerance is required and not just by the police but the general public too. Swearing, aggressive behaviour and similar are regular features seen or heard when walking though Dunfermline but t is not just in Dunfermline. Standards of acceptable behaviour should be addressed. Things like hanging about in doorways should not be an option.

Recommend? Yes 8 No 0
******
Oct 3, 06:40
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******
Oct 3, 11:06
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******
Oct 3, 19:24
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pawbroon
1 post
Oct 4, 13:43
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While using the ally/ stairwell beside Harlem Nightclub recently i was asked by this guy "could you spare 20p for a bottle of wine" i replied i will give you 40p if you can get me one too, it took awhile for the penny to drop with this guy as he seemed to have already had too many 20p bottles already in him . needless to say i still have my 40p in tact. however if he had asked for a sandwich or a roll i would have obliged.

Footnote: seen him on my way back to car coming out of ladbrooks

This guy seems to be able to drink and gamble two things i would find a luxury to do.

Recommend? Yes 4 No 0
hangabuhamza
2 posts
Oct 6, 21:07
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i see my comment was removed cant handle the truth?

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