Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sharjah Police have arrested 94 beggars since they launched their campaign ‘Begging is a crime and giving is a responsibility’ at the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The campaign was launched as part of Sharjah Police’s efforts to combat negative behaviours that is constantly witnessed during this period of the year.

The campaign comes in implementation of the Ministry of Interior’s directives and complements Sharjah Police’s efforts to curb these illegal practices, which are considered a crime punishable by law, said Lt. Colonel Jassim Mohammed Bin Taliah, Head of Beggar Control Team in Sharjah.

"Most beggars were found near commercial and residential areas and mosques," he added.

Bin Taliah pointed out that the campaign resulted in the arrest of 94 beggars including 65 men and 29 women, who were reported to the police through their direct communication channels on 80040 and 901 as well as through the field campaign by the dedicated teams.

He explained that most arrested beggars came to the UAE on visit visas and some others were UAE residents who took advantage of the Holy Month to gain money, noting that the necessary legal measures were taken against these beggars as soon as they were caught.

Bin Taliah pointed out that remittance receipts were found with the arrested beggars, adding that the teams arrested a beggar who had Dhs44,000 in his possession, another with Dhs12,000 and a third over Dhs9,000.

Stressing that the campaign would continue to put an end to this phenomenon, Bin Taliah said as many as 1,409 beggars were arrested over 2020 and 2021 with whom over Dhs500,000 was seized in their possession.