Beggars in York face a tougher time than ever before under new laws which come into force today.

Police officers will be able to identify repeat offenders and aggressive beggars more easily as begging becomes a recordable offence.

The change is part of a Government drive to crack down on antisocial behaviour, including begging and street drinking, in all its forms.

Police believe the change will help them track aggressive beggars and those who might be involved in more serious crime.

The extra information is also expected to help uncover people who are not homeless and who see York as a "soft target" for begging.

Chief Inspector Howard Harding, who leads York's community policing unit, welcomed the extra powers.

He said officers were well aware of the social challenges facing many people on the streets, but said it was the police's job to enforce the law.

He said: "Community officers are working every day to identify who the real beggars are, but begging is an offence and they are out there to enforce the law."

City of York Council leader Steve Galloway said begging was more of an issue now in York than ever before.

He said: "Anything that helps to spotlight begging in terms of the background of offenders or their actions will help us deal with it.

"We all recognise that if we are going to have pride in the city then having someone sitting on the pavement every 100 yards is not helpful."

He said that a "two-pronged" approach, combining social support and enforcement, was being used to deal with beggars in York.

Experts at the Safer York Partnership are in the final stages of drawing up a strategy for dealing with antisocial behaviour, including begging.

City centre shop owners and other members of York Business Pride have put tackling street drinking and begging among their top priorities.

They will be meeting tonight for the first time to discuss how they can help police, the council and other agencies tackle the issue.

A snapshot of antisocial behaviour in York earlier this year revealed how eight offences of begging and street drinking were reported to police in 24 hours.

The new law will allow the police to identify repeat offenders and make it easier for them to deal with those involved in more serious crime.

The offender's details will now be stored on the National Police Computer when they are arrested.

Hazel Blears, Minister for Policing and Crime Reduction, said: "The public do not want to see beggars on our street, many of whom can be aggressive and intimidating."

Updated: 16:44 Monday, December 01, 2003