Calls for crackdown on aggressive 'windscreen beggars' targeting Birmingham drivers
TOWN hall chiefs have been urged to clamp down on aggressive beggars who target motorists waiting at traffic lights.
Aggressive windscreen beggars are intimidating drivers in Birmingham
Drivers in Birmingham said women and children - believed to be Eastern European - hang around at busy junctions and clean car windscreens while the lights are on red before demanding cash.
Police in the city said they were aware of the issue and carry out occasional crackdowns on roadside windscreen washing gangs who are thought to make around £70-a-day.
West Midlands Police said motorists could help drive the beggars from the streets by refusing to paying.
Fake beggar caught out after pretending to be a double amputee
Police are in Birmingham are aware of the windscreen beggars issue
I believe these women are being exploited and are being used by illegal gangs to obtain money - another form of modern day slavery
But now a Birmingham councillor has called for action and warned the issue highlighted a deeper problem.
Conservative Councillor Des Flood (Con, Bartley Green) said: “I believe these women are being exploited and are being used by illegal gangs to obtain money - another form of modern day slavery.
“I have received a number of complaints from residents who feel very vulnerable sitting in traffic at this busy junction and they have told me about the aggressive behaviour of some of the women involved."
Squeegee beggars are often being exploited by gangs
He continued: “The police are trying their best to deal with this issue, but the mere sight of a police car sends these women running away, endangering their own lives and potentially causing a serious crash.
“Some of these women are pregnant and it’s very concerning as this is a serious accident waiting to happen.
Aggressive windscreen beggars are active in Birmingham
“The police need the support of other agencies, including the city council’s anti social behaviour teams, to deal with this problem.”
One motorists said he had seen the women being forced to hand over cash to gang leaders sitting in cars parked nearby and being threatened if the money was short.