Giving beggars stuff

djmc0 · 17 May 2009 at 17:45

Depends, If I have had a few, I tend to give a few quid, even though I know it's going on their next can of Super Tenants, or towards their next crack hit.

Only give when sober, when I see a dog with them, which I realise is almost like emotional blackmail, still, it works, with me at least.

J1234 · 17 May 2009 at 17:48

Azagoth said:
**** 'em! They get nothing off me.

This.

Apart from the one time I found a pound coin on the floor and gave it to one, then around the corner they got busted for begging and had it confiscated by the police. I laughed.

djmc0 · 17 May 2009 at 17:51

I remember, I read somewhere a few years ago, that there are professional beggars, travel into central London in the daytime earn £100-200 a day, and then, merrily go on their way back to their house in the leafy suburbs.

Anyone reckon there is something to that?

The Funktopus · 17 May 2009 at 17:52

spleenharvester said:
I never see beggars around anymore for some reason.

Incidentally, my Soilant Green foods business is just growing and growing at the moment....

Azagoth · 17 May 2009 at 17:53

djmc0 said:
I remember, I read somewhere a few years ago, that there are professional begger, travel into central London in the daytime earn £100-200 a day, and then, merrily go on their way back to their house in the leafy suburbs.

Anyone reckon there is something to that?

There used to be one in Hanley, he sat there all day begging with his dog, then he used to get up and walk back to his car and drive off. I posted about it on here quite some time back, I'll see if I can find the post if it's still around.

EDIT: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13728194&postcount=8

vincent1989 · 17 May 2009 at 17:53

djmc0 said:
I remember, I read somewhere a few years ago, that there are professional beggars, travel into central London in the daytime earn £100-200 a day, and then, merrily go on their way back to their house in the leafy suburbs.

Anyone reckon there is something to that?

my mates sperm doner (dad) does/did this in brighton and knew a few others who did it as well

Dr Jack · 17 May 2009 at 17:54

Yeah, there are a few professional beggars. But, frankly, most of the people who are begging are living pretty awful lives. I'll give 'em my spare change; they need it more than I do - even if all it will buy them is a night comatose on cheap booze.

MrMoonX · 17 May 2009 at 17:59

never give them money cos they use it for booze and drugs, thats why they look at you like a turd if you give them food

djmc0 · 17 May 2009 at 18:00

Wow, amazing that people would choose that way to earn a pound note. What about street performers, In London, they seem circulate around Leicester Square, They are generally poor mimes or break dancers. But strangely I am inclined to to give spare change to a busker.

But people that come up to me ask "Yo, blud, can I borrow a pound" I tell them where to go, with venom, they wind me up more than anything

djmc0 · 17 May 2009 at 18:01

vincent1989 said:
my mates sperm doner (dad) does/did this in brighton and knew a few others who did it as well

I thought the donor had anonymous rights? I'm assuming it was through a sperm bank though.

uk_unbeliever · 17 May 2009 at 18:14

djmc0 said:
I remember, I read somewhere a few years ago, that there are professional beggars, travel into central London in the daytime earn £100-200 a day, and then, merrily go on their way back to their house in the leafy suburbs.

Anyone reckon there is something to that?

I heard a woman begger (she was young, early 20's, wearing decent clothes and had a mobile!) saying to another one that she was going 'out begging later' because she was 'skint'. I have no doubt wahtsoever that for her it was something of a lifestyle choice.

To be fair- if she can make £30 by sitting on her arse outside M&S in Cheltenham, while someone does an 8 hours shift at tesco's down the road for the same after tax, then fair play to her. I couldn't bare the shame.

Glaucus · 17 May 2009 at 18:16

not a chance. They look at you in disgust if you over them food/drink. If you were desperate you would gladly take anything on offer. I'm not giving you money to get beer and drugs. Plus I expect many are there through either addiction or arrogance. Not wanting to go crawling home or to friends.

djmc0 · 17 May 2009 at 18:20

AcidHell2 said:
not a chance. They look at you in disgust if you over them food/drink. If you were desperate you would gladly take anything on offer. I'm not giving you money to get beer and drugs. Plus I expect many are here trough either addiction or arrogance. Not wanting to go crawling home or to friends.

While that is mostly true, My ex girlfriend gave a beggar, with a dishevelled looking dog 4 cans of Pedigree Chum, and he could not be happier, but I'm sure that was a one off, because when I give a tramp with the obligatory rough looking dog a few quid, not even a head nod, maybe they dont see it anymore. cant blame them. Being Homeless can't be the most fun past time, but I suppose that is what I deserve for my liberal bleeding heart

Mr-White · 17 May 2009 at 18:26

The beggers in Cambridge all seem to be *****ed out their face

MW

Azagoth · 17 May 2009 at 18:28

djmc0 said:
While that is mostly true, My ex girlfriend gave a beggar, with a dishevelled looking dog 4 cans of Pedigree Chum

You know why they all seem to have dogs don't you? It's because the government gives them quite a healthy payout to care for the dog on top of their benefits. I can't remember the exact amount they receive, but it's something like £7 a day.

Wicksta · 17 May 2009 at 18:30

Justin said:
This.

Apart from the one time I found a pound coin on the floor and gave it to one, then around the corner they got busted for begging and had it confiscated by the police. I laughed.

The police can confiscate money from beggars? What happens to it? If it's been given to someone as a gift I don't see how they can do that no matter if begging is allowed or not.

Lydzor · 17 May 2009 at 18:35

Azagoth said:
You know why they all seem to have dogs don't you? It's because the government gives them quite a healthy payout to care for the dog on top of their benefits. I can't remember the exact amount they receive, but it's something like £7 a day.

Also for sympathy.

djmc0 · 17 May 2009 at 18:35

Azagoth said:
You know why they all seem to have dogs don't you? It's because the government gives them quite a healthy payout to care for the dog on top of their benefits. I can't remember the exact amount they receive, but it's something like £7 a day.

But, how do they claim benefits unless they have a fixed abode?, I'm ashamed to say (not really, I have payed ridiculous amounts of tax in my years of working) I have claimed JSA on two separate occasions, and they require so much ID and junk before they hand out, it's unbelievable, that is why so many have to go through charities.

So obviously that £7 a day is nothing to do with JSA, and as far as I know their is no official benefits given to the homeless, and thats where charities come in

khemist · 17 May 2009 at 19:23

There is a tramp that lives outside the church next to the school i went to in primary and when i had few beers last week i gave him a fiver, i've never heard him ask anyone for money but i was thinking to myself, how bad would it be and feel to be in his position?.

WalesOwl · 17 May 2009 at 19:37

When they ask "Any change?" I reply "Yes, but none for you."