It has been alleged that so-called 'professional beggars' are behind illegal drugs being traded in the City Centre.
Following Milton Keynes being dubbed ''Tent City'' in the national press, one local business claims a tent located near his business was being used by people who were claiming to be rough sleepers but were using the tent to buy, sell and use drugs.
The business, who asked not to be named due to safeguarding their own business, says more needs to be done to weed out people who are faking sleeping rough.
He continued to say that, because of the sensitivity around the homeless, he feels the authorities are reluctant to act. “The tent we cleared was full of used syringes, I have no doubt drugs where being traded and the tent was being used to ’shoot up’.”
In May, Thames Valley Police received criticism from the public when they bagged up several items of bedding outside Milton Keynes Central train station. Police said at the time that the items were moved following a dynamic risk assessment after the terrorist attacks in Manchester and London.
The business was keen to tell our reporter that they have supported many of the homeless rough sleepers by feeding many on a regular basis, “I feel sorry for the genuine homeless people but the current situation is out of control. Action needs to be taken to look after the people who are homeless, support local businesses affected and improve the reputation of our City.”
MKFM contacted the leader of Milton Keynes Council, Peter Marland and asked what steps are the council taking to remove fake rough sleepers off the streets and what efforts are being made to support businesses affected by rough sleepers. His response was '' Drug dealing and any illegal activity is a matter for the police. MKC is working to make sure anyone on the living on the street has the support they need, and if anyone has suspicions that some people may not be rough sleeping, but taking advantage of people in the worst way should contact the authorities ''
Meanwhile, a homeless man told MKFM that drug dealing from some tents in the city is common with one currently trading near Marks and Spencer at Centre:MK this afternoon. MKFM was unable to confirm the allegation which supports a number of similar reports of illegal activity.
One Facebook user wrote in response to this article '' I work up CMK, we constantly have entrance paths covered in blood from shooting up, faeces, needles etc to deal with. I've had bloody needles fall out the Biffa bins when opening them, I've forwarded the CCTV shots to the CMK area police of the dealer's dealing and the paraphernalia left. We even see the police officers on their lunch breaks walking past the users whilst walking over to Sainsbury's for lunch but there's no interest or support whatsoever! They'll be out the back of Regency Court now shooting up, it's not even hidden anymore.''
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: "Any reports of drug dealing will be acted upon if we receive them and that fear of public criticism is not a factor in our decision making process."
