Fake beggar cons public with limp on a crutch

At first glance, this image appears to reveal a heartbreaking snapshot of the inequalities of modern Britain. Heavily leaning on a crutch, a beggar with a severe limp pleads for cash from drivers waiting to move down a Central London street. Staggering among the gleaming cars, his hand outstretched for change, the man presents a […]

At first glance, this image appears to reveal a heartbreaking snapshot of the inequalities of modern Britain.
Heavily leaning on a crutch, a beggar with a severe limp pleads for cash from drivers waiting to move down a Central London street. Staggering among the gleaming cars, his hand outstretched for change, the man presents a pitiful figure – and many motorists are moved enough to hand over their money.
However, all is not as it seems.
Moments later, apparently happy with his haul of cash, the man hands over his crutch to a ‘colleague’ and strolls off to buy a soft drink and some fast food. His profound limp, which earlier was almost painful to watch, has vanished and he walks with ease.
The beggar, who is believed to be from Bulgaria, is seen with 15 pound coins in his hand – the proceeds of 15 minutes’ work.
When approached by The Mail on Sunday, the man refused to identify himself or discuss his antics. But we understand he is part of an organised gang of beggars who operate in London’s upmarket Marylebone and Edgware Road areas, as well as the West End.
An onlooker said: ‘It was pretty shocking seeing the guy hand over his crutches. They seem well organised.’
Westminster City Council said it was working with police and the Home Office to tackle ‘a small number of foreign nationals who come to London for short-term financial gain and choose to sleep rough’.

Culled from dailymail.co.uk