Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police have arrested a man who had deliberately inflicted a burn on himself to help him get more alms.
Colonel Maktoum Al Sharifi, Director of the Capital Police Directorate, Abu Dhabi Police, said that police patrols from Al Khalidiyah Police Station caught the Asian man during their routine rounds.
The suspect appeared noticeably exhausted and sick while begging from workers and customers in Al Khalidiyah area.
Abu Dhabi Police had stepped up the number of police patrols from the beginning of Ramadan to crack down on beggars.
Colonel Al Sharifi said after checking the suspect's identity, it turned out that he came to the country on a tourist visa issued by a tourist agency. He did not have any other work nor an income.
When searched, police found with him Dh618 along with his passport, which had the expired tourist visa stamped on it. Police also found a mobile phone and copies of the Quran.
"The suspect admitted that he burned his left arm deliberately using cooking gas to convince people of his dire need for money and to make them feel sorry for him and give him money," said Colonel Al Sharifi.
He said the suspect claimed that he did not know that begging is illegal here. Col. Al Sharifi said the suspect has been referred to the public prosecution for further legal action.
He reiterated the importance of the media campaign on the dangers of dealing with beggars, which was launched by Abu Dhabi Police's Media department.
He called on the public not to sympathise or help those who pretend to be sick and needy and make begging an easy way to make money.
"The public should also be careful and attentive to the unique methods used by beggars to beg, especially during Ramadan. These methods include, causing self injury, showing fake medical reports or prescriptions or by pushing to donate to build hospitals or schools," he said.
Colonel Al Sharifi said most of those caught begging enter the country on visit visas or tourist visas. He also pointed out that many robberies at homes are done by these beggars.
"Police units are cracking down on beggars around the year and taking strict legal action against them. In Ramadan, these campaigns are intensified as many of the beggars take this month as a time to make quick cash with the generosity of people," he said.
Contact: Phone number
To report beggars call Aman service on 8002626 or send SMS to 2828.
