Ajman: The Department of Criminal Investigation in Ajman has launched an anti-begging hotline.

Residents in the emirate are being asked to call two dedicated numbers and report what is described as “seasonal begging”.

The campaign kicked off on Saturday and aims to curb the beggar menace.

Residents can call 06-7401616 or 06-7409999 to report instances of begging.

Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Saif Al Matroushi, Director of the Department of Criminal Investigation at Ajman Police, said: “The aim of this campaign is to encourage the public to cooperate with the police and protect the emirate.

“Police patrols will be deployed at places where beggars are found. They take advantage of Ramadan and go to mosques and markets, banks and residential areas to ask people for money.

“People who have limited resources or face difficult situations in the UAE can contact any of the authorised charity and humanitarian organisations who will study their individual cases and offer them help in a legal and safe manner.”

Ajman Police say there were 107 street beggars in 2013.