Neighborhood police in the Brixton and Camberwell area have starting on the first of March joined forces with Lambeth Council to crack down on local Beggars around the Brixton Market area.

The area has recently seen a boom in visitors, but alongside this there has been a large increase in beggars.

A senior councilor has said more must be done to stop shoppers being hassled for cash.

The reasoning behind the decision roots from an ongoing drug problem in Brixton. Jack Hopkins, said: “People who give money to beggars may not realise they’re helping fuel drug and alcohol abuse in Brixton which, in turn, leads to other crimes.” As the councilor of community safety it’s easy to see why there is a more urgent approach now.

Jack Hopkins spoke about countering the cut-down by trying to organize help groups supporting beggars with substance abusers and mental health issues

Being labeled by Jay Rayner as the “most vibrant restaurant scene in London” it is not hard to see why there has been an increase in restaurant goers as well as beggars.

The council’s main aim is to oust “professional beggars” and “know drug users” from the community.

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