KINDHEARTED shoppers are being conned out of their cash by bogus beggars, say police.

Officers are warning the public not to give cash to beggars after finding that 90 per cent of people asking for money on Newcastle streets are not homeless - and can rake in up to £20 an hour.

They say most of those posing as homeless are junkies trying to get money for their next drug hit.

Chiefs at Northumbria Police believe the growing problem is damaging the trade of city centre shops and putting off visitors.

They have launched a pilot scheme to take beggars off the streets. Anyone found begging will be immediately referred to the addiction rehabilitation charity, Turning Point.

Inspector David Rickaby, leading the Newcastle operation, said: "Over the last couple of years begging has increased. There is a misconception that these people are homeless yet most can come up with an address. The vast majority are drug abusers and most beg to pay for heroin.

"There is a lot of money to be made from begging, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

"They target people out for a good time. In four hours they can make £80.

"It destroys the reputation of the city. It is anti-social. The message is, if you are in the city don't give money to beggars as it is probable it will be used to buy drugs.

"Enforcement alone does not work without education and treatment. By providing support to those who need help, we are helping to fight addiction in while reassuring the public the city centre is safe."

But Bob Finch, of homeless charity Shelter North East, said: "Police should be addressing the needs of the individual rather than assuming everyone on the streets has a drugs problem."