Police in Hove say they have demonstrated how to solve another serious social problem with a crackdown on begging.

Not one beggar was reported on the streets of Hove and Shoreham last month, compared with 22 in the same month in 1999.

The Argus Don't Give To Beggars campaign has also helped play a part in this welcome reduction in numbers.

There is no need to beg in any part of Brighton and Hove. People who feel sorry for beggars should give money to the agencies helping them.

If they give directly to beggars, they may be helping rogues like the man found in Hove.

He earned £60 a day, received state benefits and commuted to his pitch from a home in Newhaven.