The beggar who made Dh40,000 by taking advantage of people’s generosity during the holy month of Ramadan has been caught by Dubai Police.
In the first few days of the month of Ramadan, authorities say the beggar was nabbed in possession of both local and foreign money he’d earned.
General Director of Criminal Investigation, Colonel Ahmed Al Adidi, said the campaign, launched by Dubai Police in cooperation with the strategic partners before Ramadan began, aimed to raise community awareness of the dangers associated with the Phenomenon of Beggary, maintain community security and stability, and capture beggars in public places. Al Adidi was speaking about the campaign.
According to Al Adidi, the campaign’s effectiveness in lowering the number of beggars each year can be attributed to the harsh processes against violators and the efforts of the General Department of Criminal Investigation.
“There are official and charitable entities and authorities ready to help the needy, which we, at Dubai Police urge whomever in need of financial aid to turn to,” he added.
As an added precaution, he recommended that people call 901 (the toll-free number) or use the Authorities Eye solution through the Dubai Authorities app to report any beggars.
Some criminals solicit help from the community by sending emails or posting on social media. They publish stories that are meant to elicit feelings of empathy.
Local law enforcement has encouraged residents to use the e-crime reporting system to bring these kinds of social media and email comments to their attention (www.ecrime.ae).
There are people who attempt to justify their illegal behaviour with their financial desperation. However, that is illegal and punishable according to Federal Law No. 9 of 2018 on Anti-begging”, Al Adidi stressed.