Source:
https://scmp.com/article/588517/hard-cash-king-drug-fuelled-beggars

Hard cash is king for drug-fuelled beggars

London

Terry says he doesn't do drugs. 'It's a mug's game,' he says. He looks almost grey in complexion, squatting by an ATM in Soho Square, a prime spot rumoured to be run by drug gangs that take the money collected in return for cheaper drugs. Terry, if that's his real name, is wrapped in a sleeping bag, a sedate Alsatian by his side. 'I need money for food, that's all,' he says.

It's hard to believe him. Especially since Westminster City Council launched its Killing with Kindness campaign, a drive to teach people not to give the 300-odd beggars working the West End any money. Most will use the cash to overdose, says the council . And the problem is still widespread even though the campaign was launched a year ago.

'If you want to help, buy a sandwich,' said Mike Nicholas of Thames Reach, which for 25 years has been helping the homeless - getting them off the streets, providing rooms in hostels and treatment for their problems. 'Or talk to them. It does help.'

Talking with Terry isn't easy. In between murmurs he pipes up a loud, 'spare some change, please, mate' as another punter passes. In 20 minutes at the ATM, three people hand over GBP1 (HK$15).

Beggars are rumoured to make between #55 a day - twice the minimum wage - and GBP300, depending on who they are, why they're begging and where. 'Some of the pitches [begging spots] are lucrative,' said Mr Nicholas.

'A lot of heroin addicts will just sit there passively - it's the nature of the drug.' Crack addicts will hound people at cafe tables. 'Crack addicts need more money, more often, up to GBP120 a day. Once they've the cash they ring the dealer, who arrives in a BMW.'

Beggars often share popular pitches. Like a shift system, beggars swap places with friends. 'They're begging to score. When they have enough, off they go,' he said.

Does Thames Reach support Westminster's initiative?

'Yes. Police recently blood-tested beggars arrested and found 70 per cent had drugs in their system,' said Mr Nicholas.

'Give them money and you might as well go and buy drugs for them. I know a girl who worked Charing Cross station for years. She did well, earning enough for her speedballs. One day a punter, probably just out of a casino, handed her GBP1,500 cash. It was enough for four days of drugs for her friends. It nearly killed her.'

So why do people give money?

'To ease their guilt, perhaps. Some pay beggars to go away. But most think they are helping,' said Mr Nicholas. 'They still think people need it for food or for a roof, which used to be the case years ago, but not now.

'There's probably more begging now. It's gone up as drug use has gone up. The explosion in crack is the main problem. It makes beggars more aggressive and more noticeable.'

The truly homeless can get help, said Mr Nicholas. 'At Thames Reach we have an open-door policy. You can stay the night, and we'll sort out payment later, through state benefits. If you hear a beggar say 'spare some change for a hostel', that's rubbish.'

Police found 60 per cent of beggars gave a legitimate address when arrested - be it a hostel, squat or flat. 'Some commute in to London to beg,' he said.

I ask Terry if he wants a sandwich. 'Yes, mate, but give us the cash. I'll get it.' I return with a GBP3 tuna mayo baguette and walk away. Ten minutes later he is feeding it to his dog.

'If you really want to help, donate ... to organisations like ours,' said Mr Nicholas. 'The woman who made GBP1,500, she is on our methadone treatment now. After five years on the street, she is slowly sorting herself out.'