Police, civic leaders and businesspeople team up to tackle begging in Stourbridge

West Midlands Police said that along with partners, it had established a multi-agency approach to tackle begging in the town centre and surrounding areas.

This week officers joined partners from Dudley Council including the homelessness team, outreach team and street team, along with centre manager of the Ryemarket Shopping Centre on a walkabout in the town to deal with issues reported to them.

Sergeant Imran Mohammed from Stourbridge Neighbourhood Team said: “At our last community meeting, the issue of increased begging in Stourbridge was raised to us.

“We carry out daily patrols, focusing on anti-social behaviour, begging hot spots and persistent offenders, often alongside our colleagues from Dudley Council.

“If the offending is persistent, we issue warnings before looking to court orders and civil injunctions to ban the offender from a particular location.”

The public are advising those who donate money to individuals to instead donate to Change into Action, a giving scheme in Dudley which supports specialist charities and street teams. 

Sergeant Mohammed said: “We appreciate that people may want to give money to rough sleepers and we would encourage them to give to Change in Action.

“We want to create a vibrant, safe town centre and we will continue to work with our partners to support those who genuinely need help.”

Councillor Ian Bevan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness at Dudley Council, said: “It was good to join the team on one of their routine patrols in Stourbridge.

"With our police partners we assist people who are rough sleeping or in need of housing assistance. 

"Their regular presence also helps manage any antisocial behaviour issues that may arise in the town.

“Anyone who is in need of help or support or if you are concerned about someone sleeping rough in the Dudley borough please contact our homelessness prevention team on 0300 555 2345.”

Chair of Stourbridge BID and Ryemarket Shopping Centre manager Aaron Powell said: “As both a business leader and a resident of Stourbridge, I understand the very real concerns raised by our local community, from residents and shoppers to business owners, around rough sleeping and the associated antisocial behaviour we are witnessing in the town centre.

“This is not a new issue, nor is it one with a quick fix. 

"We’ve been working closely with our partners across the police, Dudley Council, and local outreach services for some time now, and while there are periods of improvement, the situation can often fluctuate. 

"That’s why a long-term, joined-up approach like this is essential.

“Our aim, alongside our partners, is to create a welcoming and safe town centre, a place where businesses can thrive, residents feel secure, and vulnerable people are supported through the right channels. 

"This partnership is an important step in that direction, and we’re proud to play our part.”