A major crackdown on beggars who target town centre shopping areas was launched today.

Police were issuing warning notices to beggars who have set up regular pitches in the centre of Hove. They were concentrating on problem areas in pedestrianised George Street, and also in neighbouring Church Road and Blatchington Road.

Beggars were being handed notices which offered advice on where to get help if they were homeless. But they were also being warned that begging is a criminal offence under the Vagrancy Act and that the notice should be viewed as an official warning which had been recorded.

They were told that if they were stopped again they could face arrest and prosecution. Ultimately, legal action could be taken to ban them from the town

centre. The crackdown, codenamed Operation Skuttle, came after complaints from residents and traders about aggressive begging.

Hove sector inspector Allan Penfold said: "We have had a number of complaints about aggressive begging recently. Begging in Brighton and Hove will not be tolerated by Sussex Police. It offends many people in our community and is unnecessary."

Insp Penfold said today's action would be followed by regular spot checks to ensure begging was no longer a problem in the town.

The initiative was being carried out with the backing of Brighton and Hove Council and agencies for the homeless. The move was welcomed by the residents and traders who say that beggars have become a problem.

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