Abu Dhabi: There has been a vast increase in the number of beggars this year, with the number rising to 231 so far, compared to 72 arrested during the entire month last year, police said on Tuesday.
Major General Mohammad Bin Al Awadi Al Menhali, Director-General of Police Operations at Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, said that these people are often spotted around mosques and public places. Meanwhile, many residents have reported seeing beggars in specific areas.
“There is a man I see every time I go to get mana’eesh from my favourite shop. I have given him money once and twice but more than that would be too much. It’s very frustrating and abnormal,” said 25-year-old mechanical engineer and Abu Dhabi resident. A.H.
Police have urged residents to report any sightings of beggars both during and after Ramadan and say patrols will step up their search for beggars. Colonel Dr Rashid Mohammad Borshid, Acting Director of the Community Police Directorate, added that collecting alms is an easy way to make money without having to work for it.
“This is fraud, not people in need,” he said.
Colonel Borshid also said that people who go from door-to-door asking for money often become familiar enough with each home and may later pose a burglary threat.
Members of the public are urged to call the Aman (meaning ‘safety’ in Arabic) on 8002626 to confidentially report an incident or via SMS to 2828.
