BEGGING at road junctions has been slammed as "dangerous" by police and people are being urged not to encourage those who do it.

It's a sight which is becoming increasingly common in and around Bradford, particularly on main routes in and out of the city centre.

The force's warning comes after two more beggars were reported by police for pretending to be homeless and begging at traffic junctions.

They were holding signs when they were spotted by officers in the Bradford East area.

One sign read: "HOMELESS. Not on the dole. Need help in any way thanks, God bless."

The other said: "Hi, I'm homeless. Could anyone help with donations of food, cigs or money please? Thank you."

It's the latest time in the past few weeks that police have seized signs and reported people for pretending to be homeless and begging at junctions.

Rooley Lane, close to the Asda superstore, is emerging as one hotspot.

Alan Wainwright, Labour councillor for the nearby Tong ward, said the "short, sharp shock of being locked up" for people who do it would be a solution in the short-term, but re-education is needed in the long term.

He said: "Where they are sat, they are near where people cross the roads - it can be intimidating for kids and senior citizens.

"As long as people keep giving them money, they will keep doing it."

Court cases are beginning to emerge where Criminal Behaviour Orders are sought to tackle the problem of persistent offenders.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Police in Bradford are working with partner agencies to address the issue of begging as a whole in the district.

“This includes those who have been seen at road junctions trying to attract donations from people passing in vehicles and on foot. This is a dangerous practice for obvious reasons and these individuals should not be encouraged.

“Partner agencies are engaging with all those seen begging to see what assistance they can offer and officers are taking positive action against those who refuse to accept help, or using aggressive behaviour towards members of the public.

“Begging is a criminal offence under the Vagrancy Act 1824 and our officers will continue to take positive action against people who engage in this practice, using all the powers that are available to us.

“Anyone who suspects that a beggar is obtaining money by deception is advised to report the matter to their local policing team, so further enquiries can be made as to that individual’s welfare and steps can be taken to address them.

“If people want to donate money we would encourage them to give to the organisations who help those in need."

While a Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We are working with a number of partners, including the police, housing organisations and charities to address begging and the connected issue of rough sleeping in Bradford.

“No one wants to see people suffer in this way and there are a number of things we do to help them back into safer, more productive lives.

“Interventions include emergency and more permanent housing, mental health support and substance abuse programmes. We also have street outreach workers in Bradford who proactively help beggars and rough sleepers by connecting them to a range of services. We also work with the police in dealing with issues such as aggressive begging and fraudulent attempts to get people to give money.

“If anyone witnesses aggressive or nuisance begging or suspects that fraud is taking place they should report it to the police.”