ABU DHABI // Abu Dhabi Police have arrested 231 beggars in the capital in the two weeks since the start of Ramadan.
Maj Gen Mohammed bin Al Menhali, director general of Police Operations at Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, said beggars, mostly Asian, were caught trying to appeal to the sympathy of citizens, especially in front of mosques and in public places.
He urged members of the community to cooperate by reporting the whereabouts of beggars.
Col Dr Rashid Borshid, acting director of the Community Police Directorate, said the arrested people had taken to begging as an easy way to make money without effort, and considered begging the most lucrative of professions.
“This is fraud, not people in need,” he said, adding that some beggars go door-to-door to familiarise themselves with homes so that they could later attempt robberies.
Members of the public can report beggars by calling the operations room on 999, via the Aman service on 8002626 which receives information confidentially, or via text on 2828.
In Dubai, people can call 800243 to report beggars.
As in previous years, begging is a problem particularly during Ramadan, with people taking advantage of the spirit of generosity during the holy month. Earlier this month, police in Dubai announced they had arrested more than 60 beggars as part of their annual clampdown.
Col Mohammed Al Muheiri, from Dubai Police’s Tourist Security Department, said officers had arrested 65 beggars – 54 men, eight women and three children – since a special campaign was launched on June 5.
Among those arrested were an Iranian family of five, who were caught begging in Al Aweer.
Maj Gen Khalil Al Mansouri, head of Dubai Police CID, said 48 police patrols had been deployed to residential neighbourhoods, shopping districts and areas near mosques.
The campaign will continue throughout this month and during the Eid Al Fitr holiday.
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