People in Melksham have been urged not to give money to the beggars who recently have been seen in the town centre.

Wiltshire Police have received numerous reports of people begging illegally in the town, who are often targeting elderly and vulnerable people.

PC Barry Dalton of the Melksham Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “They’ve been asking old people for change, saying they need it to get home to Trowbridge or Devizes, then they start getting aggressive towards people.

“They’re just looking for money, and preying on people who look vulnerable.

“Do not encourage them, do not give them money, and report them if you see them.

“The more they get reported and the less they get given the quicker we will be able to get rid of them.”