'Combat Begging' campaign of Dubai Police nets 26 beggars in the first week of Ramadan

The Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, part of the General Department of Criminal Investigation, in coordination with Dubai's police stations, arrested 26 beggars of various nationalities during the first week of Ramadan.

This was carried out under the "Combat Begging" campaign initiated by the Dubai Police, operating under the slogan "An Aware Society, Without Begging."

The initiative is supported by strategic partners such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai.

The campaign aims to raise public awareness about the significance of maintaining the country's civilized image by addressing and preventing begging activities.

Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, highlighted that the anti-begging campaign has been one of the department's most effective initiatives.

Conducted in collaboration with various partners, this campaign has significantly reduced the annual number of beggars through the implementation of strict and decisive measures against those apprehended.

Beggars often attempt to take advantage of the atmosphere of compassion and goodwill during Ramadan for unlawful profits.

In just the first week of the holy month, the campaign led to the arrest of 26 beggars from different nationalities.

Al Shamsi affirmed that Dubai Police is dedicated to addressing all negative societal ills, consistently monitoring the deceptive tactics used by beggars each year. This effort aims to devise strategies and initiatives to combat and reduce such activities, ultimately apprehending those involved to safeguard the community.

He highlighted that beggars often attempt to take advantage of the atmosphere of compassion and goodwill during the holy month of Ramadan for unlawful profits.

He also cautioned against engaging with these practices, which often involve exploiting children, individuals with illnesses, and people with disabilities to elicit sympathy. Numerous incidents of such behavior have been documented.

Brigadier Ali Al Shamsi stressed the importance of using official channels for charitable activities and aid distribution, ensuring donations are directed to those genuinely in need through accredited organisations and institutions.

He urged community members to contribute via these authorised platforms.

He also called on the public to report beggars by contacting the toll-free number 901 or utilizing the "Police Eye" feature on the Dubai Police smartphone app. Additionally, cases of online begging can be reported through the "e-Crime" platform.