Homeless people in Corby targeted by criminals

Members of Corby’s Crime and Disorder Committee, which met last Wednesday, heard how people who are not homeless are causing trouble and committing crime against those people living in the woods.

Cllr Kevin Watt said: “There is a group of people who are not rough sleepers who are down there, drinking at night, keeping them awake.

“Many of the rough sleepers go to work early in the morning.

“Because they are rough sleepers, they’re feeling disadvantaged in not being able to report it.”

Corby Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Jon Hodgson said: “We’ve had the council wardens and the PCSOs going into the woods.

“We’re well aware of the issues around vulnerability around substance dependency.

“We are trying to support them into permanent accommodation.

“They are quite vulnerable and we are aware there’s people stealing from them.

“We are taking proactive action to make sure they have got the security they need.”

The panel heard how neighbourhood wardens are trying to build closer relationships with the rough sleepers in order to help them feel they can report crime against them more readily.