Bath constabulary want people to contact them with specific instances of begging, and say there are other ways of giving money to help the homeless.

Under the new policy, beggars could even be banned from the city centre.

The clampdown will be undertaken by uniformed and plain clothes officers.

Pc Janice Pearson said: "We want people who have been a victim of begging, to contact us with a description of the offender and the location.

"For people who want to help the homeless and drug addicts, there are collection boxes in the Tourist Office at Bath Abbey, Marks and Spencers and Boots.

"This is the best way to help those who beg. Please do not give them money on the street."