Beggars

[Sciroccology]

Why do they sit right next to the cashpoint? Do they honestly think I'm going to draw out an extra tenner just for them?

Better, I suppose, than the one who sits outside the Co-Op over the road, with a bowl in front of him, doing crosswords and word-searches all day. For my "donation" I'd expect a bit in return; do a little dance, tell me a joke, give me some sage advice - that sort of thing.

Lazy, good for nothing, scrounging bds.

[R5GTTgaz]

Vermin, should be shot.

[HarveyB]

The ones I can't stand are those who get on a packed commuter train/tube and wait until just after the doors have closed before announcing themselves to the assembled victims and giving you the hard sell. I amazed at how much they can make from people who would otherwise cross the street to get out of their way.

Had one last week who started with "As you know, the Big Issue office is closed today....." No. I don't which is why I think this is just a scam for some <insert drug of choice> money

Even worse than the same method employed by those who've just found God and want to spread the word.

[minimax]

I always ignore them, I cannot stand the blackmail aspect of it, drives me quite insane with righteous anger..

I don't mind it when it's not like that though, and I appreciate audacity and sheer brass balls - chap came up to me and said straight up (after failing with his lines with other people on the common)

tramp said:

look mate, it's been a long day and i've made nearly nothing, i'm not going to tell you it'd be for a hostel cos I get that for free. but i'd really like to get p1ssed - so come on and help a guy out!

something about the appearance of pure spontaneity was blinding in its innocence, I thought: we've all been there mate and gave him a tenner

since then, i've always appreciated that sort of approach

Edited by minimax on Saturday 26th July 20:22

[JulianHJ]

The ones round Brighton and Hove know not to sit by cashpoints or they'll get nicked for begging. We've got quite a tough stance on it, and will seize all their alcohol if they're being a nuisance, which really puts a dent in their day.

[SS HSV]

Ah but hang on a sec, are we talking about tramps or beggars?.. there are two catagories really, these are:

• Traditional Tramp = Smelly, dirty, been on the streets for years, and are begging for there daily survival. Normally have a genuine story as to why they are there and how they slipped off the radar of society.

• Modern Day Tramp = Usually not actually homeless, just appearing to be so, and scrounging money to feed their crack/alhahol/villa in France appeal.

I will always try and help a tramp other than provide him with alcahol etc, but have been known to step on a begger by accident of course

[mickk]

Wasent there a story a few years back about a 'traditional tramp' who after his death was found to have been walking the streets with 100k in his tattered old carrier bags?

[Sciroccology]

SS HSV said:

Ah but hang on a sec, are we talking about tramps or beggars?

I helped out a tramp a couple of Xmas's ago. He would just sit in a shop doorway, polishing his backy tin with his tatty blanket, hassling no-one, but getting what he could.

I popped to the Co-Op, got the stuff I needed, but also got a carrier with sandwiches, pasties, chocolate, strong beer and fags and gave it to him on my way home with a cheery "Merry Xmas mate". He seemed quite chuffed.

[minimax]

Sciroccology said:

SS HSV said:

Ah but hang on a sec, are we talking about tramps or beggars?

I helped out a tramp a couple of Xmas's ago. He would just sit in a shop doorway, polishing his backy tin with his tatty blanket, hassling no-one, but getting what he could.

I popped to the Co-Op, got the stuff I needed, but also got a carrier with sandwiches, pasties, chocolate, strong beer and fags and gave it to him on my way home with a cheery "Merry Xmas mate". He seemed quite chuffed.

that's

[mickk]

Sciroccology said:

SS HSV said:

Ah but hang on a sec, are we talking about tramps or beggars?

I helped out a tramp a couple of Xmas's ago. He would just sit in a shop doorway, polishing his backy tin with his tatty blanket, hassling no-one, but getting what he could.

I popped to the Co-Op, got the stuff I needed, but also got a carrier with sandwiches, pasties, chocolate, strong beer and fags and gave it to him on my way home with a cheery "Merry Xmas mate". He seemed quite chuffed.

A nice sentiment but i expect he threw the food away.

[Clammy]

mickk said:

Wasent there a story a few years back about a 'traditional tramp' who after his death was found to have been walking the streets with 100k in his tattered old carrier bags?

I am now going to bludgen any gentleman of the road I see just in case.

So what if it turns out to be apocryphal?

They're tramps. Nobody will miss them.

[thinfourth2]

Really fuk them up and buy the poor buggers a burger

If they are genuine then they will be happy if they are smackheads then they will be pissed off

[JulianHJ]

The vast majority I encounter have a substance misuse issue. Those I've spoken to at length often have a very sad story to tell. I do my best to remain fair and balanced in my dealings with them all. Some are very polite, others are openly hostile from the outset...

[EDLT]

I once gave money to someone who turned out to be neither a beggar or tramp.

[Sciroccology]

mickk said:

Sciroccology said:

SS HSV said:

Ah but hang on a sec, are we talking about tramps or beggars?

I helped out a tramp a couple of Xmas's ago. He would just sit in a shop doorway, polishing his backy tin with his tatty blanket, hassling no-one, but getting what he could.

I popped to the Co-Op, got the stuff I needed, but also got a carrier with sandwiches, pasties, chocolate, strong beer and fags and gave it to him on my way home with a cheery "Merry Xmas mate". He seemed quite chuffed.

A nice sentiment but i expect he threw the food away.

Quit the negative vibes man!

I'd like to think he ate the food, drank the beer and smoked the fags. I'd like to think he had a slightly better Xmas than usual.

Actually, that year, his probably wasn't far off from mine

[outlaw biker]

mickk said:

Wasent there a story a few years back about a 'traditional tramp' who after his death was found to have been walking the streets with 100k in his tattered old carrier bags?

`

I've heard some beggars in city centres can make up to £1000 per day. Obviously tax free. A lad I went to college with used to scruff himself up and go and sit outside McDonalds every Saturday morning begging.

[SS HSV]

minimax said:

Sciroccology said:

SS HSV said:

Ah but hang on a sec, are we talking about tramps or beggars?

I helped out a tramp a couple of Xmas's ago. He would just sit in a shop doorway, polishing his backy tin with his tatty blanket, hassling no-one, but getting what he could.

I popped to the Co-Op, got the stuff I needed, but also got a carrier with sandwiches, pasties, chocolate, strong beer and fags and gave it to him on my way home with a cheery "Merry Xmas mate". He seemed quite chuffed.

that's

Yep, decent gesture have another two

EDLT said:

I once gave money to someone who turned out to be neither a beggar or tramp.

Ah you met my ex wife?

outlaw biker said:

mickk said:

Wasent there a story a few years back about a 'traditional tramp' who after his death was found to have been walking the streets with 100k in his tattered old carrier bags?

`

I've heard some beggars in city centres can make up to £1000 per day. Obviously tax free. A lad I went to college with used to scruff himself up and go and sit outside McDonalds every Saturday morning begging.

Didn't someone post a story on here a couple of months back about a tramp that was so laden with coins he coudn't get up?!

Honestly looks like we are all in the wrong game

[Sciroccology]

SS HSV said:

Honestly looks like we are all in the wrong game

It's tempting, isn't it?

I remember in my youth walking through "the precinct" in Watford, seeing the tramps on the bench with their bottles of cider and dogs on string, and my Dad saying "Look at those lucky buggers..."

I questioned this, wondering how they were so "lucky" and Dad explianed:

"No job, no boss, no tax, no mortgage, no wife - no worries!"

I think he had a point.

[KANEIT]

You know a tramp is an authentic tramp when you see him walking up the A66. They're the type that really do enjoy the open air and living outdoors, or are truly batty.

[King Herald]

SS HSV said:

Didn't someone post a story on here a couple of months back about a tramp that was so laden with coins he coudn't get up?!

Honestly looks like we are all in the wrong game

Well, you could work hard in a factory for £5.62 an hour, or sit in a doorway with your hand out for probably £20 an hour or more.

Would you honestly blame anybody for doing the latter, when they have been to 20 or more job interviews (that demand qualifications and experience, but still only offer the bare minimum legal wage they can get away with) yet you still can't find employ?