Dubai Police arrest 12 people in anti-begging operation

People urged not to be duped by anyone begging and instead donate to registered charities

E-warrants have helped police officers arrest criminals faster. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai police arrested 12 people on the first day of Ramadan in an operation to tackle begging.

The arrests on Tuesday were part of the force’s anti-begging campaign launched several days ago under the slogan "begging is misunderstood for compassion”.

Police urged well-intentioned people not to be duped by anyone begging and instead donate to registered charities.

"There is an integrated security plan to combat begging in co-operation with partners, which includes intensifying patrols in places expected to be frequented by beggars," said Col Ali Salem of Dubai Police.

He also asked the public to report beggars to the toll-free number 901 or by using the Police Eye service available on the Dubai Police smartphone app.

Hundreds of beggars are usually arrested every Ramadan. It is believed that many come to the UAE on visit visas.

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