Fremantle launches controversial donation boxes in crackdown on beggars

Councillors in Fremantle have launched a controversial city-wide crackdown on beggars with the installation of public charity boxes, amid claims some of those on the streets are frauds.

Secure donation boxes will be installed throughout the popular tourist city from Wednesday,

The boxes, an alternative to shaker tins and cardboard box signs, are aimed at discouraging people from giving money to beggars on the street.

The money put in them will got to the St Patrick's Community Support Centre in Fremantle and donations will be matched dollar for dollar by the city council.

“I appreciate it’s different and I know it’s controversial and it’s a trial but I reckon it's one that’s worth giving a go than doing nothing,” Freemantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said.

The mayor said he has got to know people on the streets of Freemantle and he believes this is the best solution for them and retailers affected in the CBD.

Asked about previous comments that some of those on the streets were not genuinely in need, Mayor Pettitt said “as a small city, we get to know those people, we often get to know where they live and we know the circumstances in which they are”.

St Patrick’s will distribute the donations but the charity’s chief executive, Steve McDermott, said he is not comfortable with it.

Fremantle choice: beggar or the box

“I have a couple of reservations really as to who is going to be the arbiter of where this money goes,” he said.

There will be five of donation boxes dotted around Fremantle.

The problem of begging is not restricted to Fremantle. It is clear from a brief walk through Perth CBD that begging is also rife there.

But the City of Perth said it wants help from the state government to act on the issue.

Steve McDermott said, if a person is begging on the streets, “there’s a lot of underlying factors going on there”.