Dubai Police launches 'anti-begging' campaign

Dubai - The public can cooperate by alerting the police on 901 or 0502106969 to report beggars.

To combat the menace of begging during the holy month of Ramadan, the Dubai Police launched an 'anti-begging' campaign on Sunday.
Announcing the anti-begging campaign on Sunday, Major-General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, assistant commander-in-chief of the Dubai Police for criminal investigation, said: "The Dubai Police, in cooperation with the government and local authorities, will launch security and civilian patrols to combat this phenomenon, particularly in areas where beggars are concentrated, such as markets, residential areas, Ramadan tents, places of worship and car parks."
The public can cooperate by alerting the police on 901 or 0502106969 to report beggars.
Al Mansouri added that the Dubai Police had arrested 1,021 beggars last year, of them 641 were arrested during Ramadan.
Al Mansouri said that begging is a negative phenomenon mostly during Ramadan, where the beggars take advantage of people's generosity. "The police have been exerting efforts to fight this phenomenon with intensified efforts and cooperation from the department of Islamic Affairs, general directorate of residency and foreign affairs (GDRFA) and the Dubai Municipality. 
He said that charities and philanthropists do not hesitate to help needy citizens and residents alike. "One will get aid if their need is proven. Individuals begging in public places and streets is completely unacceptable and punishable by law." He praised the efforts of Major-General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director-general of GDRFA, and his deputy, Major-General Obaid Muhair bin Sorour, and the GDRFA's employees. First Lieutenant Mohammad Shehab Al Hammadi of the GDRFA and Salem Zayed of Dubai Municipality urged people not to have entertain beggars.
Mohammed Mehdi Al Suwaidi of the department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities said that there are 17 charitable societies in Dubai where the public can direct beggars to ask for help.
- amira@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Ramadan 2021
• Dubai