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Following an incident on Duke Street Tavistock yesterday (3rd December) Police made an arrest of an individual for several offences in relation to vagrancy and anti social behaviour.
As a result a 37 year old male from a Bristol address will be summoned to court in relation to the offences of Begging and Failing to provide details in relation to S.50 of the Police Reform Act.
There is an rise in this activity by organised gangs at this time of year due to the increased footfall in our towns and they are preying on the good, charitable nature of our residents.
As this incident evidences, the individuals involved are regularly housed. By giving to people on the street you can indirectly cause more harm by funding substance misuse or paying into organised criminal activity which can include trafficking and exploitation offences.
We appeal to the public to refrain from giving money or other items to individuals begging as this prevents them from engaging with support services in the area. Alternatively report any concerns you may have for welfare to the local authority and if you have concerns regarding criminality tell us at Report | Devon & Cornwall Police 
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