'Homeless' man spotted begging drivers for money arrested on suspicion of fraud

A man who claimed to be homeless has been arrested on suspicion of fraud after he was spotted begging drivers for money. Greater Manchester Police says officers initially spoke to the man at a busy Bolton junction this morning (July 16) with a view to offer him support.

He was seen by officers at the junction of Topp Way and Turton Street, with a sign that stated he was homeless. But after speaking with the man, GMP says officers established that he was not homeless, and had been living at 'accommodation' a few hundred yards away from the junction.

The man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation. GMP says he 'fully admitted' the offence during an interview with officers.

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He has since been released from custody with a conditional caution - including a condition not to beg. Officers also gave the man advice on where he could go for support to tackle his drug dependency.

Insp Atherton, from GMP's Bolton South neighbourhood team, said: “We are committed to reducing fraud and exploitation of the goodwill of the people of Bolton. This negatively impacts the genuine homeless community and takes money that was intended to help those people genuinely in need.”

Anyone in Bolton who wishes to support homeless people in the region is encouraged to contact local organisations who are committed to helping those in need. They include Urban Outreach and Hope for Change.

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