In a concerted effort to curb the menace of begging during the holy month of Ramadan, Dubai Police have apprehended a staggering 202 individuals engaged in this illicit activity. The crackdown, orchestrated by Dubai Police in collaboration with several governmental bodies including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Municipality, and the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department, marks a significant stride towards maintaining order and security within the emirate.
Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects & Criminal Phenomena Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, disclosed that among those apprehended, 112 were men and 90 were women. The majority of these individuals, he revealed, were exploiting the generosity of residents and visitors alike under the guise of being on visit visas, seeking to make quick money through begging.
Importantly, Brigadier Al Shamsi underscored the insidious link between begging and other criminal activities such as pickpocketing, theft, and the exploitation of vulnerable groups including children, the sick, and people with disabilities for illicit gains. This intersection highlights the multifaceted threat posed by the practice of begging, extending beyond mere solicitation for charity.
Dubai Police, cognizant of the adverse ramifications of such activities on the social fabric and security of the emirate, have urged the public to refrain from enabling beggars by abstaining from offering them alms. Instead, they advocate for directing charitable contributions exclusively through recognized and authorized channels, namely official charities vetted by relevant governmental bodies.
Moreover, Dubai Police have underscored the pivotal role of community participation in combating the scourge of begging. They have called upon residents and visitors to promptly report instances of begging by utilizing the designated hotline, 901, or by leveraging the Dubai Police app, thereby facilitating swift intervention and enforcement actions.
The crackdown on begging orchestrated by Dubai Police reflects a steadfast commitment to upholding law and order, safeguarding vulnerable segments of society, and preserving the sanctity of Ramadan—a month revered for its spirit of generosity and compassion. Through proactive measures and collaborative endeavors, the authorities endeavor to foster a safer and more inclusive environment wherein the principles of charity are upheld within the bounds of legality and ethical conduct.