Arrested beggars under Dubai Police custody.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The security teams at the Dubai Police have arrested 202 beggars during the first half of the holy month of Ramadan. The Dubai Police General Command, in collaboration with esteemed partners such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA), Dubai Municipality, and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai IACAD, has successfully launched the “Fight Begging” campaign.

The campaign is aimed at raising awareness about the significance of preserving the country's civilized image by effectively combating and preventing the crime of begging.

Brig Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department at the Dubai Police, pointed out that the department successfully launched a campaign in cooperation with strategic partners to curb the phenomenon of begging. Strict and decisive measures were taken against the beggars who were seized, he added, noting that the campaign resulted in arresting 202 beggars, including 112 males and 90 females during the first half of Ramadan.

 The majority of those arrested are on visit visas, while others are residents offending the residency law and taking advantage of the holy month to make a quick profit. Legal measures have been taken against them once they are caught, Brig. Al Shamsi added.

 “Begging is illegal and punishable by law. Society can help curb begging by donating to charitable organizations and ensuring that the money reaches the poor and needy. This will prevent the spread of crimes committed by beggars under the guise of begging,” he said.

To combat begging effectively, Ali Al Shamsi urged the public to refrain from responding to beggars or feeling pity for their appearance. Instead, he encouraged them to report any beggars they spot to the police authorities through the call centre (901), the 'Police Eye' service on the Dubai Police smart application, or the E-Crime platform.