A team of Romanian beggars who targeted Chiswick were busted by police after reports that they caused a danger to motorists.

Three men, all originating from the same town in Romania, were arrested on August 4 and charged with Begging and Highway Obstruction.

Loan Lle Carpaci, 59, Loan Radu,48 and Tomita-Alin Gragan, 23, appeared in Feltham Magistrates Court on August 5 and were all given the option of a s100-s200 fine or a day in prison. They all chose the latter but were released as they had already spent a night in the cells.  

The three men, none of whom had a set address, appeared to be part of an organised group, working the Chiswick High Road and the busy A4 at Sutton Court Road.

Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector, Dave Osborne said: "Although these can be seen as relatively minor offences, there is always a danger of personal injury when people position themselves amongst traffic in this manner, especially fast moving like it can be on the A4.

"We will be looking out for these individuals should they return, but I am confident that the quick response of the Turnham Green team will have nipped this problem in the bud."

All three had significant quantities of cash, with one having over s100 in cash in his pockets at the time of his arrest.

Motorist Sarah Felstead posting on an online forum: "Drivers on our lanes were all shaking their heads in disbelief but the beggar working the lights coming up from Chiswick High Road was arguing with the driver of the first car and gesticulating as if to say come on, give me some money.

"The two men were walking very slowly and bent double with a stick, carrying what looked like paper cola cups. Only a matter of time before they step out behind a car and some poor motorcyclist comes a cropper."