In every big city there are street beggars who approach you for your spare change. It might seem harmless to give to those in desperate situations.

In reality, your small change adds up to a big problem.

Downward spiral

Last year, the vast majority – over 70% – of those arrested for begging in the streets of Westminster tested positive for Class A drugs such as crack cocaine and heroin.

Drug and alcohol dependency is a downward spiral and people need specialist help to get off the streets and combat their addiction. By continually giving, you could actually be keeping these people on the streets and they will continue to refuse the help available. Ultimately they could die.

A place to stay

Many of those who beg on Westminster streets actually have places to stay at night. Of those arrested last year, 60% gave a fixed address when charged. The last official count in November 2005 identified that there were only 182 people sleeping rough in the whole of Westminster and Camden.