DUBAI // Police arrested 98 people for begging in the first quarter of this year.
Maj Gen Khalil Al Mansouri, deputy chief commander of CID, said that 834 people were arrested last year, an increase from 780 in 2013.
“All those who were caught begging were arrested and underwent the proper legal procedures,” he said. “Begging affects the face of this civilised country.”
He said most people who were arrested were capable of working regular jobs but had instead opted to earn a living by begging.
“Some of them even change their appearances to gain more sympathy and money from the public,” said Maj Gen Al Mansouri. “Some pretend to have illnesses or they put casts around their arms or legs, others pretended to have mental illnesses.
“We are not saying these things to prevent the public from doing good, but these are the facts.”
He asked people not to sympathise with beggars, adding there were many charitable organisations in Dubai that offered help to those in need.
Maj Gen Al Mansouri said beggars target places or areas where people gather, such as mosques and markets.
Anyone arrested for begging will be referred to prosecutors, followed by deportation from the country.
Companies found sponsoring people who are caught begging could be fined up to Dh7,000.
The public are asked to report beggars by calling the 800-CID (243) hotline.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
