Beggars on the streets of Melbourne have been accused of being fake after citizens noticed that they appeared to be organized and part of a syndicate. The beggars were confronted on Monday and Tuesday by Victoria Police, news.com.au reported on Friday, July 5. It is illegal to beg in Melbourne, but it is not illegal to be homeless. Victoria Police continually tasks resources to enforce legislation relating to this behavior and provide community reassurance.”Police cracked down on a group of fake beggars in February, the Herald Sun via news.com.au reported. A 2015 Salvation Army report found that beggars in the Melbourne central business district could earn up to AUD400 (about P14,000) a day.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 05, 2019 08:37 UTC