Dubai Police arrested a beggar found in a parking lot, carrying Dhs 20,000. Authorities warn the public about online and street begging, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The arrest was made as part of the 'Combating Begging' campaign launched by Dubai Police, aimed at raising awareness and preserving the nation's civilised image by preventing begging-related crimes.
Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspicious Persons and Criminal Phenomena Department of the General Department of Criminal Investigation, said the beggar targeted owners of luxury cars in parking lots and at traffic lights, pleading for sympathy by claiming to be in dire circumstances and without means to feed himself.
Brigadier Al Shamsi warned the public against sympathising with or giving money to beggars, urging people not to fall for the tactics they use to elicit pity for material gain. He pointed out that beggars often employ fabricated stories and tricks to prey on the public at mosque entrances, clinics or hospitals, markets, and on the streets.
Moreover, Brigadier Al Shamsi advised against responding to beggars' pleas or interacting with them based on pity and encouraged reporting beggars immediately by contacting 901 or the 'Police Eye' service on Dubai Police's smart App.
Brigadier Al Shamsi stressed that there are official agencies and charitable organisations for genuine financial assistance, while noting that some individuals falsely claim need to justify begging, an illegal act punishable under federal anti-begging laws.