18 beggars caught in 2 weeks in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah - Earlier, a beggar making Dh100,000 per month was arrested in Dubai.

A total of 18 beggars were caught by the Ras Al Khaimah Police at different areas in the emirate in the first two weeks of the holy month of Ramadan.
Also read: Beggar making Dh100,000 per month in Dubai arrested
"The beggars - some of them who came to the country on visit visas - were nabbed during an intensive campaign initiated around a fortnight back," said Brigadier Abdullah Ali Menakhas, deputy director general of the police operations, on Saturday.
Also read: Up to Dh100,000 fine for begging in UAE
"The anti-begging drive, launched in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Department and police stations across the emirate, is aimed to ensure community security and stability."
More security patrols and cops have been deployed at all the markets and residential areas where beggars are mostly found, he added.
"So far, 18 beggars have been arrested red-handed," he said. "They have been referred to the bodies concerned for legal action."
The police patrols keep an eye on all such negative elements day and night, mainly those who are close to the mosques, he pointed out.
Brig Menakhas urged the public to contribute their charities to the licenced charity associations which have a clear and verified track of all disadvantaged cases and low-income people.
"The listed widows, orphans and poor patients are more worthy of these charities," he said, noting that the "professional beggars" cash in on people's sentiments and their magnanimous nature in the holy month."
The UAE, in April 2018, passed an anti-begging federal law which punishes anyone caught begging with a Dh5,000 fine and up to three months in prison, he cautioned.
"Those who operate gangs of beggars will get a prison sentence of not less than six months as well as a minimum fine of Dh100,000, they added. "Similar punishments will be given to those who recruit workers as beggars."
Anyone caught begging, yet proven to have an income and is in good shape and health, will receive the maximum punishment that is possible, he warned.
"Maximum punishment shall be handed to those who use any form of trick to dupe people, including faking disabilities or injuries and play with their emotions."

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ramadan 2021
• Ras Al Khaimah