Official urged the public to not encourage beggars on the street and to direct their generosity towards charity organisations.
The Ajman Police arrested 16 beggars during the first half of Ramadan during an intensive inspection campaign. The menace of beggars get intensified during the holy month of Ramadan.
The 16 beggars were held near mosques and commercial centres in Ajman.
Major Ahmed Saeed of the Ajman Police said all of the suspects came to the country on visit visas three days before the start of Ramadan with the aim of making money by begging during the holy month. “They are not poor, they are criminals,” said Major Saeed. “They have enough money to purchase air tickets and obtain their visa. They just take advantage of people’s generosity during the holy month.”
In the last few years, the police arrested at least 50 beggars, he said, adding that the number of beggars reduced because of awareness campaigns and the police-public partnership.
Major Saeed urged the public to not encourage beggars on the street and to direct their generosity towards charity organisations.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com