They were removed under powers granted to officers after a dispersal order was introduced, giving police officers extra powers to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Hampshire police confirmed the order in response to “recent reports of anti-social behaviour and instances of aggressive and persistent begging”.
The dispersal order covers a large part of Southampton city centre, including Above Bar Street, West Quay Retail Park, East Park, Hoglands Park, and Watts Park.
READ MORE: Man wielding sledgehammer told court enforcement officer ‘I’ll cave your head in’
Two people have been removed from Southampton city centre for aggressive begging. (Image: Southampton Police)
During patrols on Thursday, officers carried out ten stop-searches, safeguarded a vulnerable individual, and used a police dog to recover more than 50 drug wraps in St Mary’s Street.
Officers removed a total of five people from the area under the dispersal order, with three identified as “behaving in an anti-social manner”.
Police said that asking these individuals to leave was a proactive step intended to prevent further escalation.
The other two were removed for “persistent or aggressive begging” after ignoring warnings to stop.
The patrols were part of Operation Predict, an ongoing partnership between police, Southampton City Council and Go! Southampton, to make the city centre a safer and more welcoming place.
READ MORE: Shoplifter who stole almost £2k in items from Boots jailed – In the Dock
Police emphasised that while they work with agencies better placed to address homelessness, they will use “proportionate powers” to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Additional patrols are now taking place in the early mornings around car parks, the High Street, and London Road to deter offending and address issues before they can escalate during the day.
Officers are also using forensic DNA marking kits to mark up high-risk items in some stores, which will allow them to trace stolen goods, and forensic DNA spray, which can be used on people who are trying to make off when an offence is identified.
Hampshire police said these efforts are part of a broader strategy to make Southampton’s city centre safer and more welcoming for everyone.