I’ve spent most of the last three years living in the city of Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire. Whilst walking the streets I have been approached many times by individuals – the same people time and again – asking for money. Often late at night and sometimes twice in the dame day, they have walked in front of me, even when with friends or clearly listening to music, presenting their standard sob story. It was always the same, alleging that the Salvation Army hostel had turned them away, they had nowhere to sleep and would I give them some money?
No.
What was he going to do with it, get a room at the Best Western? It was clearly a con, repeated daily. I called the Salvation Army hostel this group of scammers claimed slammed the door in their faces and was told this would never happen. The hostel manager told me staff would turn people away only if they were intoxicated or recreational drug users.
Today on my way home, somebody stopped me to ask if I had twelve pence. I automatically delivered the old chestnut (“I haven’t got any change”) but it got me thinking. There is a difference between busking or begging and simply asking strangers for cash. It would never enter my head to ask people in the street for money if I didn’t have enough for something. I didn’t know what he wanted the 12p for, nor did I ask. But where do you draw the line? I want good tickets to the LES MISÉRABLES 25th anniversary concert at the o2 Arena in October; is it acceptable for me to go asking strangers for donations to my entertainment fund? Of course not, the idea is ridiculous. But people continue to ask for all sorts, from cash to favours – this week I was asked if I had a lighter and if someone could borrow my phone. Certainly not!