Giving money to beggars is 'killing with kindness'

A campaign discouraging people from giving money to beggars was launched today.

Westminster and Camden councils put up dozens of posters warning that donated cash was simply being used to fund drug and alcohol habits.

It follows a similar campaign in Islington after a survey found that 85 per cent of beggars used the money to buy heroin and crack cocaine.

The campaign, the latest in a "tough love" approach to clean up the West End, targets the public and beggars themselves. The councils estimate that while many rough sleepers are beggars, only half of beggars are homeless - meaning they prey on the public's sympathy and then return home.

Under the Killing With Kindness campaign, Westminster will also emphasise the services it provides to those on the streets in an attempt to get them into rehabilitation. Kit Malthouse, deputy leader of Westminster, said: "People need to know that the money they casually give to a beggar may buy the fix that kills them."