Professional beggars have descended on Kyrenia Gate in Nicosia. Shopkeepers have complained but say that the police do nothing about them.
Reportedly begging at a venue that is crowded with tourists is very lucrative. Beggar gangs agree to divide different areas between themselves. Traders have reported fights between different gangs if boundaries are broken.
The gangs arrive by minibus to be deposited at Kyrenia Gate. Very young children, who should be in school are also made to beg or sell small items like a pack of tissues, the men sell pens.
The shopkeepers says that begging is a criminal offence and that it gives a very poor impression to tourists visiting North Cyprus.
Havadis
