BEGGARS in York have warned they may be forced to turn to more serious crimes because of a tough police crackdown on their antisocial behaviour.

Two homeless men have approached the Evening Press to warn that members of the city's homeless community feel they may be driven to illegal acts by hard line police tactics.

Beggars have been targeted by police and undercover officers from the Department of Work and Pensions in recent weeks as part of an ongoing operation to clear the streets. Last month, drug addict beggar Jeffrey Ward was sent to prison less than 48 hours after a court made the first Antisocial Behaviour Order banning his actions.

Colin Hunter, 32, who has been on the streets for three years, said: "What do the public want, a few homeless beggars or a number of criminals? What is the harm when you could have burglars, robbers or whatever?" He added: "Being homeless is awfully lonely. Begging is heart-breaking work. It's a free world.

"If I want to sit somewhere on the street I should be allowed. If people give me money, that's their choice."

Andrew Rix, 24, who came to York nine months ago to escape violence in Leeds, said other beggars feared they might need to commit more serious crimes to feed drug habits and to feed themselves.

He said: "The last couple of weeks with the police in the city centre and articles in the paper have made life very difficult for us."

Inspector Bob Mowat, of York Police, said the role of the police was to enforce the law, although officers had a duty of care and try to direct those in need towards support agencies.

He said: "Drug abuse and begging are offences for which people can be arrested. There are a small number of beggars in York who are affecting the quality of life for the majority of people.

"Tourism is a big income generator for York and surveys have shown that visitors to the city, as well as workers and residents, find begging to be antisocial."

Carole Patrick, of the Safer York Partnership, said help for those on the street in York was available from a variety of agencies including the Salvation Army, York Arc Light Project and Compass.

She said: "People who have a genuine reason to be in York, as explained in the Homelessness Act 2002, may be able to get help from these organisations. If they are not from York, they will offer support and advice to return to other areas."

Updated: 10:18 Friday, April 09, 2004