Police in Preston have been working to reduce the numbers of beggars and vagrants begging from members of the public to make the city a better and safer place to visit.

Police in Preston have been working to reduce the numbers of beggars and vagrants begging from members of the public to make the city a better and safer place to visit.
 
Over the summer, 'Operation Decisive' will see officers and PCSOs moving on beggars from Preston City Centre streets, especially at the busiest times when pubs and clubs are open to revellers. Where necessary, those responsible for begging will be arrested.
 
Work has already started with officers interacting with beggars and vagrants in the city centre over the past month to get an understanding of who they are, the problems they are encountering, the help services they are using and whether they need any extra support and assistance. Those in need of further help have been referred to the appropriate services such as housing, mental health services and benefits assistance.
 
Preston City Centre Inspector, Kevin Evans said: "This operation is taking a strong yet empathetic approach to the issue of begging.
 
"It's all about keeping Preston a safe and good place to visit, whilst also understanding those who are genuinely homeless and begging to make a living, and pointing them in the direction of services that can help them and their situation.
 
"We believe that some of those begging are positioning themselves near to cashpoints and car park pay machines where their actions are intimidating particularly towards elderly and other vulnerable people.
 
"I would like to reassure the residents and revellers visiting Preston City Centre during the day and for a night out that we are trying to keep begging and vagrancy in the city centre at a low and will move on and where appropriate, arrest those who are found to be begging and causing a nuisance to the public."
 
Since the operation started just a month ago, the Preston City Centre Team is already reporting a reduction in the number of beggars and vagrants they have been encountering on the streets. More...

Nigel Evans rearrested

MP Nigel Evans is being held by Lancashire Police on suspicion of three counts of indecent assault against men in their 20s.

£40,000 cannabis factory discovered in Blackburn

A cannabis factory with an estimated street value of up to £40,000 has been discovered at a house in Blackburn.

The father of Jeremy Forrest, the teacher accused of abducting a schoolgirl and taking her to France, has collapsed while waiting for his son's trial to restart.

More...

South Wales School Car Crash: Several Casualties

Children are among a number of people injured after a car overturned outside a primary school in South Wales.

'Chancellor Jeffrey Osborne': Obama Makes Gaffe

George Osborne suffered an embarrassing case of mistaken identity this week when US President Barack Obama confused him with a black soul singer.

The cast of hit television series The Sopranos have led tributes to James Gandolfini, describing him as a "giant" and "the most humble and gifted actor".

More...

Sopranos Star James Gandolfini Dies Aged 51

James Gandolfini has died of a suspected heart attack while on holiday in Italy at the age of 51.

Kanye West Slammed Over Parkinson's Lyric

Kanye West has been branded "stupid" by Parkinson's charities for making light of the disease on a new song.

Alex Corbisiero is the surprise inclusion in the British and Irish Lions team for the opening test against Australia.

More...

SPL Club Hearts Go Into Administration

Heart of Midlothian have announced that they have officially been placed into administration.

England Reach Final Of ICC Champions Trophy

England's cricketers are through to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy following a comfortable seven-wicket win against South Africa at The Oval.