Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Sharjah Police have called on the public not to deal with or approach beggars in any way, as communication with or physically touching them could expose their health and safety to risk, especially in light of the spread of COVID-19.

The direct dealing with the category of beggars may be a source of infection and the spread of diseases, the police added, appealing to members of the society not to sympathise with this group, which seek to seize their money by exploiting their sympathy.

The community members can support the efforts made by the security departments to eliminate such negative phenomena, by promptly reporting any beggar who is spotted in residential neighbourhoods or in front of shops and mosques, or anywhere in the Emirate of Sharjah via the toll-free number (901) or (80040) of the operations room of the Sharjah Police.

Recently, Sharjah Police General Command launched an electronic awareness campaign, that will last for a month, entitled "Your holdings ... your responsibility", in cooperation with Tawjeeh Centre and Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority.

Colonel Omar Ahmed Abu Al-Zoud, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Sharjah Police, said that the campaign aims to strengthen preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of theft, in line with the Ministry of Interior’s strategic goal of enhancing security and safety.

The awareness videos will be circulated in three languages (Arabic, English and Urdu), through Sharjah Police's social networking sites, and the electronic display screens throughout the emirate.