THE last few days have seen police dealing with increased reports of beggars at seaside towns in Dorset.

The highest number of reports being made in the Purbeck area are in relation to Swanage and Wareham, the force has said.

However the issue is also being reported further south of the county in Weymouth as well as Dorchester.

Officers have been 'proactively' dealing with individuals found to be begging, which includes signposting them to support organisations.

A spokesman for Purbeck Police said: "Over the last few days Purbeck has seen an increase in reports of beggars, particularly in the Swanage and Wareham areas.

"Neighbourhood officers have been proactively dealing with these individuals. They have been signposted to relevant agencies that can offer them further support."