Begging is often the very last resort for genuine homeless people, a lot of people have reached the very lowest point they can reach and this is about as low as they can physically go, but now a lot of Eastern European organised begging syndicates operate across London targeting affluent areas and up market shops. Is there something we can do? each shop on the High street is responsible for the first meter of footpath outside the outlet, it is the duty of the manager to make the entrance to the shop a clean, safe and hazard free passage, it is vital that you report this to the manager and detail why you feel uncomfortable not visiting the shop, the manager will escalate this if he/she receives enough complaints this is becoming a widespread issue in my opinion and we should take peaceful preventive steps to make East Dulwich a safer environment and free from begging syndicates, is begging illegal? Yes begging is an illegal activity and you have a right to inform the police: However, the police can only move them. More often than not they will wonder around the corner then come back when it is clear. I have heard cases of beggars making as much as ?400 per day which is why it is very big business among organised syndicates. May be we could do something as a community to move them on if we come together.