The man was observed by police begging outside the Sainsbury’s store in Fleet High Street and appeared “covered in blankets” and receiving money and food from members of the public walking by.

However, officers investigating have found that the man had actually travelled to the area by train from London. He has been signposted to the appropriate agencies, informed of the offences he is committing and instructed to return to his home address, police said.

A Facebook post by Hart South Police, the neighbourhood policing team, said: “I wanted to take a few moments to talk to you all about reports of a homeless persons begging in Fleet and Church Crookham.

“Myself and PCSO Lewis, who has recently joined our team, spoke with a gentleman yesterday who we had observed begging outside of Sainsbury’s on Fleet High Street. From outward appearance, the gentleman was homeless, covered in blankets and the generous members of the public were giving him food and money.

“On further investigation, the gentleman was not homeless and he had in fact travelled from London to Fleet by train to benefit from the generosity of our local residents.”

Councillor Steve Forster, Hampshire county councillor for Fleet Town, added: “I’m really pleased action has been taken by Fleet police on this after a number of complaints to the council about the big issue of homelessness.

“This follows concerns which I and others raised about beggars – and possible homeless people who needed support (but evidently not in this case!).”

Police have encouraged residents to make a report to the relevant services, including Hart District Council, if they come across a rough sleeper.

However, they added that “ultimately it is down to your own decision as to whether to give money or food to somebody”.