Row upon row of tents. Endless thefts from local shopkeepers. Bathing in the street: The Romanian and Bulgarian beggar encampment blighting the heart of London
An encampment of more than 40 tents on the central reservation of Euston Road in central London has become the focus of local complaints, with residents and shopkeepers describing persistent begging, theft and antisocial behaviour by occupants said to have travelled from Romania and Bulgaria. The report comes as police investigate a stabbing incident nearby on Endell Street, in which a woman reportedly linked to the camp allegedly attacked four men during an apparent mental health crisis, though the two incidents are not directly connected.
A local shopkeeper said the camp's occupants had been stealing alcohol and solvents from his shop daily since the site was established in summer 2023, costing him thousands of pounds, and described police visits as ineffective against repeated, sometimes aggressive, offending. Another resident alleged a car with a Romanian number plate ferries camp occupants to begging and pickpocketing locations around the city. The site itself is described as strewn with litter, food packaging and waste, with occupants reportedly washing and disposing of dirty water in the street, while Camden Council's homelessness outreach team is said to have limited engagement with those not considered substance-dependent.
- Over 40 tents form a Romanian/Bulgarian beggar camp on Euston Road, London
- Shopkeepers report daily theft; police response described as ineffective
- Nearby Covent Garden stabbing, allegedly by a homeless Romanian woman, noted separately
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Those seeking prompt action can argue that public authorities have a duty to keep shared streets safe, sanitary and usable, and to respond seriously to traders’ reports of theft or intimidation. If an encampment is creating persistent disruption, they may favour enforcement against proven offending and a managed removal of tents, alongside practical support, so that small businesses and other residents are not left to bear the costs.
The case against
Those opposing a primarily enforcement-led response can argue that people sleeping rough and begging are likely to be facing acute poverty, insecure housing and barriers to work or services, and should not be collectively blamed for unverified allegations. They may favour outreach, accommodation, healthcare, translation and help with legal or employment issues, while dealing with any individual criminal conduct through normal due process rather than treating nationality or homelessness as evidence of wrongdoing.