SOME kind-hearted people in Tavistock are being duped by bogus beggars, according to those trying to help homeless people in the town.

West Devon Borough Council, Devon and Cornwall Police and local charity Encompass South West are working together to highlight the issues after reports of people claiming to be homeless begging for money in Tavistock in recent months.

The organisations believe that some of those begging are not homeless and may be travelling to Tavistock from other areas.

Reports suggest the 'would-be beggars' are getting as much as £100 per day in donations and some bags of food thought to have been donated by members of the public have been found dumped at the town's bus station.

Sgt Dave Anning from Tavistock Police Station said: 'We haven't seen a genuine beggar in the town for years because no-one needs to beg — all the necessary food and accommodation services are in place to support people in need.

'Our most recent 'beggar' is a known heroin addict so people giving him money are just buying him drugs.

'If Tavistock becomes known as an 'easy gig' we will see more people sitting on the streets begging.

'If you really are concerned about someone, contact any of the agencies involved in providing support.'

The borough council and Encompass South West are part of the South Devon Rough Sleeper Partnership which offers a range of practical help to people who are genuinely homeless.

Alan Marshall, West Devon case worker for Encompass, said: 'We understand that people want to help if they see someone begging but giving money is not the best way. It is better to give a hot drink or an item of food such as a pasty or a sandwich rather than cash or a larger donation of food.

'Crucially, let the authorities know you have seen someone who may be sleeping rough as there is much that can be done to help someone off the streets, if that is what they want.'

Through the Rough Sleeper Partnership accommodation can be found for those living on the streets and support given for a wide range of other needs including health issues, alcohol and substance addiction and financial problems.

There is a dedicated Rough Sleepers Hotline on 0800 151 3441 for members of the public who have seen someone sleeping rough. Alternatively, call the borough council's housing team on 01822 813600 or Encompass South West on 0781 79916102.