A NEW policy aimed at removing beggars from the streets of Southampton has been unveiled by the police.

Chiefs have launched the initiative in a bid to make shoppers and people living in the heart of the city feel safer and more secure.

The scheme, called Operation Dautsey, will see persistent beggars arrested and then offered access to drug counselling services and housing facilities.

The scheme began last week, with ten arrests made so far in the area from London Road to Above Bar.

Officers have been working in partnership with the city council's safety team, the Rough Sleepers' Initiative and the drugs referral team to help get people off the street and find alternatives to begging.

Inspector Chris Kirby from Southampton Central Police station, said: "Beggars on the street can raise the fear of crime, especially those who sit by cash machines.

"They also form part of a wider drug problem in the city. In many cases, people are begging money to fund drug habits, and by removing the need to beg, we can ease the problem of drug use in the area."

What is new about this scheme is that it promises to be a multi-agency approach.

After an arrest, people will be offered the chance to speak to the drug arrest referral team, who can assist them in accessing treatment .A spokesman for Southampton's community policing team, said: "Some of those who are genuinely homeless are on the street just trying to get through the day, and there are agencies and services we can offer them.

"However, others are involved in more cynical and aggressive behaviour which can be the cause of intimidation and distress.

"We know some of them are involved in shop crime or drug abuse, and these are the people we are targeting."

But for those living rough, Operat-ion Dautsey appears heavy-handed.

James Collins, 40, pictured, has lived on the street for the past few years.

Although he doesn't take drugs anymore, and drinks very little, he has already been targeted.

He said: "The police idea isn't great because some people like living on the street, but at the same time, there are people out here who do need help.

"Some people happily give money to people living rough, and others don't. But I do agree with the police stopping aggressive begging and the police should target them."

A spokesman for The Big Issue said: "When these initiatives happen with street drinkers or beggars, it's no good just moving them to somewhere else.

"Often their problems are quite complex and therefore the important thing is to provide holistic support for a range of problems.

"In theory this initiative is a good idea, but it needs to be seen as non-punitive action that is not punishment and will offer people a real chance."