Police work with charity to tackle increase in Falmouth rough sleepers
11:42am Wednesday 6th February 2013 in Falmouth/Penryn
An increase in rough sleepers in Falmouth’s town centre is to be tackled by police after the rise in homeless people was brought to their attention this week.
Councillor Allyson Biggins told Sergeantt Gary Watts: “There is an increasing problem in the mornings with some retail outlets having to shift the homeless from their doorways.”
Sgt Watts said he was unaware of the current problem, but said officers had tackled a similar situation last year.
“We had a problem at Grove Place,” he said. “Officers were tasked with going down there and making sure no offences were being committed and moving them on. That worked really well.
“If we are told about it, we will do something, but I have not been told about it. We can only deal with what we know about. I just ask you to get on the town radio or to report it through 101. Even if we can’t come straight away, it will start to build a picture.
“Do not think you are bothering us. Bother us and let us deal with it before it becomes too big an issue.”
Sgt Watts said officers have been working with the St Petroc’s Society to ensure the safety of homeless people, particularly in the cold weather.
Gill Zella Martin 09 says...
11:30am Thu 7 Feb 13
I have always supported the St Petrocs Society and the Salvation Army, I think they really make a difference. I feel that it is about time the government should sort this country out first before giving millions of pounds abroad.