A Dundee jeweller who banned beggars from sitting outside his shop has defended the move, which has been branded “tasteless and unkind”.
A sign has been put up outside Stephen Henderson the Jeweller asking people not to beg there during opening hours.
Another asks people not to sit on the ledge outside the Union Street shop.
The signs have sparked criticism online – some people say the move lacks compassion, while others called beggars a “nuisance” to customers.
Shop owner Stephen Henderson said he put the signs up due to customer complaints.
‘Just trying to protect my business’
He said: “We have had an issue with homeless people sitting outside the shop for some time and I have always been civil with them.
“I have had some people chance it and sit there [since the sign was put up] but I often give them a coffee and politely ask them to move on, because I know some people can’t help being in that situation.”
Mr Henderson added: “I say to them [the people begging] when we are closed they can sit there whenever they want, just not when we are trading.
“I have had customers and other people mention it and complain to me about it.
“Some customers have said they are not comfortable looking at products when people are looking and asking for money.
“I am mainly just trying to protect my business.”
Trying to be sympathetic
Similar signs were erected last year but were removed by an objector.
Mr Henderson said: “The person who did it came prepared as they were wearing a hoodie and unscrewed the sign but CCTV picked them up.
“I’m trying to be sympathetic but I have to look out for my business.”
The jewellers, which sells high value and pre-owned items, was robbed in 2015 of items worth more than £39,000.
A man was arrested and imprisoned more than two-and-a-half years later.
The latest signs have been criticised online, including by Russell Pepper, chairman of West End Community Council and director of street art group Open Close Dundee.
He called the sign “really awful stuff” that is “policing public space whilst stigmatising people who need help”.
Others took to Twitter to say it lacks compassion and was “tasteless and unkind”.
Really awful stuff from Stephen Henderson jewellery in Dundee – policing public space whilst stigmatising people who need help and compassion.
I definitely know where I won't be buying any "previously enjoyed" jewellery… pic.twitter.com/JSng2lV2uf
— Russell Pepper (@openclosedundee) April 23, 2022
Some have defended the decision, including Graham Meade who said: “Beggars sitting against a shop are an absolute nuisance, harassing customers wanting to browse the windows, whilst not agreeing the sign he has every right to move them on.”
As begging is not illegal, it is not yet known if Mr Henderson will be allowed to keep the signs up.
Stephen said he did not contact Dundee City Council before putting the sign up.
A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “Our city centre ambassadors regularly highlight services to people who may need them and explain how they may access these services.”
