They kneel next to supermarkets, in front of churches and in the pedestrian zone, or sit next to subway entrances. Beggars are now part of the cityscape in Munich.
Munich – With a few jingling coins in a paper cup, they hope for people’s sympathy – but sometimes instead of real hardship, it’s just criminal calculation behind it. The Munich police recently issued an urgent appeal to all citizens to be cautious when dealing with groups of vulnerable people on the streets of the city. “In most cases, it is an organized begging mafia,” said a police representative.
Munich: Observed several times how “receipts were collected”.
There are always reports of a begging mafia. In recent years, it has been observed several times how “income was collected”. But proof of an organization behind it is difficult. Concrete evidence that it is throughout München there is still no such thing as a mafia-like structure. “However, many colleagues and also the specialist departments assume it strongly.”
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For local residents, the question remains as to how they should behave: donate a few coins out of pity or rather look the other way? The police advise: If you want to support the people, don’t donate any money. Food or – especially now in winter – a hot drink are more suitable. That would benefit the person directly. Monetary donations, on the other hand, are often collected by backers, according to the police. “We want to avoid that this business model, which is developing in Munich, becomes more and more prevalent.” (Vincent Suppe)
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