Today's Edition
YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN KAPADIA (ABU DHABI)
Over 200 beggars were arrested in Abu Dhabi during this Ramadan across the emirate, affirming Abu Dhabi Police’s continued efforts to combat this phenomenon, a statement issued by the force said.
Brigadier Musallam Mohammed Al-Ameri, Deputy Director of the Criminal Security Directorate, stated that beggars attempt to gain the sympathy of community members by fabricating stories to obtain money, which tarnishes the civilized image of society - a form of covert deception using misleading fraudulent methods.
In a statement issued by the force, 237 beggars were arrested during the holy month of Ramadan this year.
The official reiterated the police departments' commitment to conducting continuous campaigns to apprehend beggars, regardless of their begging methods and deceitful tactics used on the public.
Al-Ameri urged the public to cooperate with Abu Dhabi Police in curbing the practice of begging by ensuring not to give alms or Zakat to beggars, and instead giving charity and donations via government approved channels, institutions, and charitable associations to ensure that donations reach deserving recipients.
He explained that giving money or alms to people encourages the practice of begging, which results in the spread of crimes they commit under the guise of begging.
UAE security authorities intensify their efforts to combat the phenomenon of begging ahead of Ramadan, in particular.
The public is urged not to sympathise with beggars and to report cases to relevant authorities.
Beggars are considered violators of the law, deceiving people to take their money, and over the years authorities have succeeded in significantly reducing their numbers during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to Articles 476 and 477 of the Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021 issuing the Law on Crimes and Penalties, anyone who organises begging, committed by an organised group of two or more persons, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than six months and a fine of not less than Dh100,000.
Likewise, the same penalty shall be imposed on anyone who brings people into the country to use them in organised begging crime.
Anyone who participates in organised begging shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three months and a fine of not less than Dh5,000, or one of these two penalties.
How to report beggars in Abu Dhabi? Residents can call 999 or 8002626 (800Aman), SMS on 2828 or email to aman@adpolice.gov.ae
