A notice penned by Kāpiti Mana police telling people to stop giving food and money to the homeless community has been criticised across social media.
The notice, posted at a shopping mall in the northern Wellington suburb of Tawa and shared on the New Zealand section of web forum Reddit on Thursday, was written by Sgt Yvette McKelvie.
"We are aware of the issue you are experiencing with the begging being carried out in and around your shopping centre and we are taking steps to address this," it read.
"However, the reason beggars return is because members of the public continue to give food and money. Please do not give to those begging, if you feel intimidated into giving money and/or food please report it to the police immediately so we can take action against those acting that way."
Reddit users were outraged.
"This is disgusting and inhumane," one user commented.
"I have been homeless and I have little sympathy for these assholes dehumanizing people experiencing it," another wrote.
Kāpiti Mana area prevention manager Insp Nick Thom said police didn't mean to offend the community.
"Police acknowledge that the sign, while well-intentioned, may not have been perceived as it was intended. We apologise and will remove the sign."
"Police is working with its partners to ensure the ongoing safety of the homeless community and the Tawa community."
