A New Form Of Begging?

[Bobbisox1]

In conversation with Tiggs re a knock on her door late at night and someone asking for food, we told her to err on the side of caution and happily she has
However , it's not just late at night,a friend of mine has experienced this , this morning, a ring on the doorbell ,a man in his 20 something asked her for cash as he'd not eaten for over 24 hours, she heard other voices and after shouting for her husband ,three of them ran away

[barry1010]

I've heard reports of this in my neighbourhood, too, on my local Facebook group and via the Nextdoor site although I haven't experienced it myself. It is often an East European woman with a small child.
I have a Ring doorbell and other CCTV and don't open the door until I know who is calling.

[Bobbisox1]

These weren't Eastern European's Barry but he mentioned the word narcotics rather than 'drugs' , not sure in what context that was said during the exchange

[woofgang]

I don't think its begging I think its con artists.

[Bobbisox1]

I'm sure it is woofie, they see a window of opportunity and go for it

[barry1010]

There is a circuit in every town and city that the homeless take - they know where they can get a free breakfast, free lunch and evening meal, free soup and hot drinks during the night. Not places anyone who had other options would choose to use but beggars can't be choosers.

I don't know if all of these services are operating during lockdown - if not, some people will really be struggling. I know of several 'Indian' restaurants and take aways that give away leftovers at the end of the evening, usually at the back door, and obviously that doesn't happen if they can't open.

[tiggerblue10]

The woman who knocked on my door had a Jamaican accent and said she lived at number 26. So glad I dissuaded to go to there the day after.

[Bobbisox1]

The irony is Barry, my friend works tirelessly to feed the street people often going into Newcastle ( with her husband) at night ,she makes up a bag with sandwiches, a piece of fruit,crisps and a bar of chocolate ,all from her own purse

[barry1010]

Yes, Bobbi, thankfully there is a small army of people just like your friend - they are needed now more than ever with some many businesses going in to lock down.

[Smowball]

Do u think they’re waiting for u to maybe go into your kitchen to get some food and then barge their way in??

[retrocop]

// It is often an East European woman with a small child. //

Not such a new form of begging then.The Eastern Europeans have been begging and pick pocketing in gangs for many years. Usually have small kids with them. I can't see the point of having cats in the house.According to many reports here they are more grief than they are worth. A German Shepherd should keep any potential beggars at bay.

[Bobbisox1]

Hard to tell Smo but when a male was mentioned , they ran

[retrocop]

One M.O. is to keep you talking at the front door whilst the others try to gain entry round the back. :-(

[lady-janine]

Bobbi and Barry a friend of mine took sandwiches and soup and warm clothing, etc to some homeless people in Truro and got told 'we don't that rubbish we want money'. Didn't bother again.

[-SharonA-]

We get that a lot here. Sometimes they pretend they've knocked on the wrong door, 'Stefan, he lived here?'.
No, no then the begging starts.

[Peter Pedant]

answer from a window- Barmaid chooses first floor - very irish.

[Bobbisox1]

LJ I once bought a large tin of Chappie dog food when visiting Edinburgh's Princess street in December doing a stay over and shopping, there was a man sitting in M&S doorway ( it was closed) he had with him a dog and I'd seen him earlier, I offered the tin of dog food and was met with a torrent of abuse off him

[Bobbisox1]

PP what are you on about ( sighhhh)

[Mamyalynne]

It's an old way of making sure they don't rush past you at the door, speak to a strange caller through an upstairs window.

[Mamyalynne]

I have exterior security intercom so get very few random callers and don't buzz anyone in without ID or knowing them.

[Sqad]

Begging:
Old tramp sitting on ash cloth on the pavement one leg amputated with a scraggy old dog sitting next to him and in front was a cardboard notice which said 'FALKLAND VETERAN"
I felt so sorry for them both that I put a fiver in his upturned hat and he looked so appreciative as he uttered
" gracias senor"