A BEGGAR arrested four times during a crackdown on vagrants has criticised police tactics.

Officers admitted that they faced public criticism as they attempted to clear beggars from George Lane, South Woodford, last month.

Tracy Barker, 40, has been prosecuted under the Vagrancy Act four times in two months this year after being arrested by the Church End Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT).

Police say Ms Barker lives in Torrington Road, South Woodford, is one of a number of beggars in the street who are tricking the public into thinking they are homeless.

But former Heroin addict insists she has no fixed abode and is being unfairly targeted.

She said: “The public don’t mind me sitting down here because I know a lot of them. I don’t bother people for money: I know a few people who want to give me cash.”

“I think they should leave us alone unless some are being abusive, but that doesn’t happen. I get along with everybody down here.”

Miss Barker was recently discharged from Whipps Cross University Hospital after being treated for pneumonia.

Another George Lane beggar, Trev Walker, 37, said: “They say we’re lying to people but if we had another means to earn money, would we be here?”

SNT Sergeant David Somerville said: “The public seem to have the perception that [Tracy Barker] is genuinely needy and the police are being overzealous arresting her.

“To set the record straight, she is not homeless, lives locally and enjoys a good lifestyle on the estimated £70 per day she makes by begging. ”

Mike Nicholas, of charity Thames Reach, added: “Many beggars are drug addicts and people giving them money are effectively lining the pockets of drug dealers.”

He advised people concerned about beggars or rough sleepers to call London Street Rescue on 0870 383 3333, who will provide the vulnerable with professional help.

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