Dubai Police arrest 127 beggars with Dhs50,000

Dubai Police, in collaboration with police stations, arrested 127 beggars during the first half of Ramadan, in possession of over Dhs50,000 in cash. This was part of the "Fight Begging" campaign launched by the Dubai Police General Command in cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Dubai Municipality, and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai.

Colonel Ahmed Al Adidi, Deputy Director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, emphasised that the campaign contributes to reducing the number of beggars annually as Dubai Police implement a comprehensive security plan to combat begging in collaboration with partners by intensifying patrols in areas where beggars are likely to be present.

Al Adidi noted that begging is often linked to other crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, and the exploitation of children, patients, and people of determination for illegal gains.

He highlighted that there are official entities, organisations, and charitable associations where individuals can seek financial assistance or support, such as meals for fasting individuals.

Captain Abdullah Khamis, head of the anti-begging section, urged the public not to respond to beggars’ pleas or show sympathy toward them. He encouraged immediate reporting of any beggar sightings to the contact centre (901) or through the "Police Eye" service available on the Dubai Police smart app.

Reports can also be submitted via the (E-Crime) platform, which handles public complaints related to cybercrimes, accessible at www.ecrime.ae.