Have you been bothered by the Begging Lady?

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Police need to your help to take action

There have been numerous reports, notably on the w3and w5 discussion Forums, that the 'Begging Lady' has been spotted again prowling the streets. Residents complained that she has been harassing them, asking for money and even vandalising property.

The Begging Lady is quite smartly dressed and usually has a plausible story in order to persuade people to part with their cash - usually along the lines that her mother had a serious stroke and is in Ealing hospital and that she lost her purse. Some people expressed their dismay that the Police have not dealt with her behaviour.

Acton's Safer Neighbourhood Ward Sergeant Philip Norcutt says he would now like to take this matter forward. He said: "The Acton Central Ward team are aiming to get the Begging Lady to sign up to an Acceptable Behaviour contract. If she refuses, we will be considering as ASBO in conjunction with Ealing Council. "

But he explained that in order to do this he needs people to register their statements with the Police, which can easily be done. Sergeant Norcutt continued, "You have many complainants on the various [Forum] threads and I would want those people and any others who have information to provide statements to explain how this woman has harassed, alarmed or distressed them."

He says he knows where the Begging Lady lives but that further statements are necessary in order to move forward. "Other wards in Ealing Borough have also had problems with this lady. I have liaised with them and I will be taking the lead on this."

Contact details for Sergeant Norcutt are listed in the box to the right.

September 25, 2006