If you are being exploited to beg
| 1. What is organised begging? |
| 2. How to spot organised begging |
| 3. Report organised begging |
| 4. If you are being exploited to beg |
| 5. Support for victims of organised begging |
How to get help on the street
If you are being pressured by an organised crime group, who are making you beg, you are not alone. There is help available. We know that people who appear to be begging may be experiencing harm, exploitation or fear. The priority of police officers and support workers is your safety and wellbeing.
Police officers will try to talk to you in private to find out your situation. They will never expect you to say more than you feel comfortable with at that time.
If it feels safe for you, you can approach a police officer yourself. If English isn't your first language, an officer can get a translator to help.
You may also be referred to a special government programme called the National Referral Mechanism. It has been set up to give support and protection to possible victims of modern slavery, which may include organised begging.
Other ways to get help
If you're not in immediate danger, you can get help in the way that feels safest for you. You can contact:
If you're in immediate danger, call 999.
If English isn't your first language, the operator will ask for a translator to join the call to help you.
Immigration status
If you are a victim of organised begging, or modern slavery, you may get referred to the National Referral Mechanism. Your immigration status will not affect the help and protection you can get.
The first thing the police, local services and charities want to do is make sure that you are safe, and you get help. After you are safe, they will assess you. This is to understand whether you have been a victim of modern slavery, and what further support you can get.
Protect yourself if you've been online
By visiting this website, or other websites for help, you may worry that someone will know. You can protect yourself by hiding your browsing history.