Abu Dhabi: Around 44 beggars were caught in Al Ain during the month of Ramadan, carrying different currencies, the Abu Dhabi Police said in a statement on Saturday.
Brigadier Hamad Ajlan Al Amimi, Director of the Al Ain Police Directorate, said that the suspects allegedly used different ways to make money including carrying copies of the Quran, Islamic pamphlets and asking people for alms by showing them medical documents.
Al Amimi also stated that some even used fake financial statements to gain compassion.
The official urged residents to cooperate with the police and to inform authorities of any cases of begging by calling the emergency number 999, or through the Aman (‘safety’) services where residents can report matters anonymously on 8002626.
Individuals can also send an SMS on 2828 to report these issues.
He added that this phenomenon is still a problem and has negative consequences in terms of safety. It can also lead to crimes such as robbery, fraud and other moral issues. However, authorities are determined to put an end to these behaviours and have placed teams near markets, mosques and residential neighbourhoods to catch alms seekers.
Earlier, Gulf News reported that the number of beggars has increased this year in comparison with last year and that 72 such individuals were apprehended during the first two weeks of Ramadan in Abu Dhabi, making the number higher in the capital city relative to Al Ain.
