Piccadilly Gardens Neighbourhood Police Team Arrest Eight in Operation Targeting Organised Begging

A proactive policing operation led by the Piccadilly Gardens Neighbourhood Police Team has resulted in eight arrests as part of an ongoing crackdown on organised begging and associated criminality within the city centre.

The targeted action - conducted today - focused on individuals believed to be part of a coordinated group operating in and around the Piccadilly Gardens area. Officers carried out intelligence-led patrols and welfare checks, leading to multiple arrests and subsequent charges.

Six of the eight detainees have now been charged in connection with offences linked to organised begging. One individual is scheduled to return to prison tomorrow morning, while another has been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for charging in relation to separate offences.

During the booking in process, a number of those detained tested positive for Class A substances, including crack cocaine and heroin. Officers confirmed that all individuals had recorded home addresses and were referred for drug rehabilitation and support services as part of the force’s commitment to reducing vulnerability and tackling the root causes of offending.

Piccadilly Gardens Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Jon Wyatt, praised the officers involved and emphasised the balanced approach of enforcement paired with safeguarding:

“While we must take firm action to protect the public and reduce nuisance behaviour, we also treat those we encounter with dignity and aim to guide them toward the help they desperately need.”