Over 200 beggars nabbed in Dubai Police crackdown

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A total of 202 beggars were arrested across Dubai in the first half of Ramadan.

The crackdown is part of a major campaign launched by Dubai Police in coordination with other government entities, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Municipality and the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department.

"Those arrested included 112 men and 90 women," said Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects & Criminal Phenomena Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation.

He added that most of the violators came on a visit visa to make quick money by taking advantage of people’s generosity.

The official also highlighted how begging is often linked to pickpocketing, theft and the exploitation of children, the sick and people of determination for illicit gains.

Dubai Police have urged the public not to show sympathy to such individuals, and to donate only to official charities.
 

The authority also emphasised the importance of reporting beggars by calling 901 or via the Dubai Police app.

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