Police are focusing on supporting people sleeping rough on the streets near Reading Station, following reports of residents being harassed by aggressive begging in the area.

Residents have told The Reading Chronicle that people begging in the are have become 'so aggressive' and appear to be on 'every street corner' in the area round Reading's main train station. 

Begging is illegal in the UK - but it does not carry a prison sentence. The maximum sentence is a fine of £1,000. 

Now Thames Valley Police have said they are working with a range of organisations to tackle the issue - including supporting people who are sleeping rough on the streets of the town centre. 

A spokesperson from Thames Valley Police said: “Our local neighbourhood teams are aware of the ongoing issue in relation to begging outside of Reading train station.

“We are working with local businesses, Reading Borough council, British Transport Police and the Business Improvement District in Reading to tackle the issue and focusing on making sure the street population have access to services they need."

Residents should report any concerning incidents to Thames Valley Police or British Transport by calling 101 or using the police's online reporting sites. 

The Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “Where crimes have occurred we will investigate them fully and will also consider our full range of powers in consultation with our partners.”

Reading Borough Council declined to comment on the issue. 

In 2018, Reading Borough Council proposed introducing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) after receiving a number of complaints of anti-social behaviour.

During a consultation on the measure, a majority of residents and organisations, including Thames Valley Police, felt begging in particular was a 'very big problem' in Reading.

A PSPO came into effect across the whole of Reading Borough in April 2019, which can put controls on street drinking, begging, dog fouling, public defecation and littering.