Man caught begging 5 times, used his children to beg, too

Dubai - The campaign was held from the end of May until Eid Al Fitr.

 The Dubai Police caught 929 beggars, both male and female, during the anti-begging campaign launched by the Dubai Police in cooperation with authorities concerned. This number is much higher than the same period last year when the number caught was only 443.
The campaign was held from the end of May until Eid Al Fitr.
Brigadier Mohammed Rashid Al Muhairi, deputy-director of Criminal Investigation Department said the anti-begging team also caught two children begging. The children had come to Dubai on a visit visa with their parents. While they were in custody, the police said they were surprised when the father lodged a complaint saying that the children were missing. He denied that he had asked his children to beg.
The two children were soon released as they were very young. However, after a few days the police caught the father begging and decided to deport him. He was later released as he was sponsoring and taking care of his family. But, the police caught him four times after that and hence decided to deport him.
According to Al Muhairi, the man was found begging while the police was arranging for deportation procedures. He added that the father did not stop begging or regret doing so even as the authorities were arranging for his deportation.
Al Muhairi confirmed that the anti-begging campaign continues all the year and around 21 police officials are assigned to catch them. He called on the public not to sympathise or help these beggars as most of them violate UAE laws. Encouraging such people could also lead to theft and assault, he added.
The campaign launched on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan is jointly organised by the Dubai Police, DNRD, Dubai Municipality and the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charity.
What happens to arrested beggars?
The police arrest those found begging in the country. After arrest, the health and social condition of the beggars are tested and a case is opened. If it is found that the beggars really need assistance, they are referred to charity organisations in the country. In other cases, the arrested will be referred to the Dubai Public Prosecution and will be deported.
amira@khaleejtimes.com 

• UAE