Abu Dhabi: Twenty-three beggars have been caught in the capital during the first five months of the year and they include four women and one minor, the Abu Dhabi Police reported.
Most of these were aged between 18-35 while five were between 36 and 53 years old.
“The Abu Dhabi Police wants to rid society of those who abuse citizens’ and residents’ goodness of heart to collect money without effort. There is no place for beggars in our society and we have increased inspections in all areas of the city of Abu Dhabi to catch them,” said Brigadier Maktoum Al Sharifi, Director of the Capital Police Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police GHQ.
Recently, Abu Dhabi Police launched an awareness campaign under the title ‘No to begging’ which warns the public against encouraging beggars, saying that the phenomenon of seeking alms increases during Ramadan and religious holidays.
Officials have also said that begging is usually a precursor to crimes such as theft. Residents are urged to report any beggars by calling 999 or contacting any police station.
