'Beggar' had laptop, cash and mobile phones

A LARGE bundle of cash, a laptop and multiple mobile phones were seized from what police say was a member of a professional begging gang in Plymouth city centre.

- By SHANNON BROWN

He was stopped by police officers in Armada Way on Tuesday, July 15, with evidence he was not homeless, Charles Cross Police said.

The force warns Plymouth locals to “think twice” about giving money to street beggars. Acknowledging the “sensitive and emotive” subject, Charles Cross police say professional begging gangs are operating in the city centre, “preying on people's good nature and compassion” to make money.

One man was stopped on Armada Way with evidence he was not homeless, the force said.

Sharing the incident on Facebook, the force said:

Officers located a significant bundle of cash, multiple mobile phones, a laptop and information this male was in fact not homeless.