Illegal resident was begging near a mosque in the emirate
Sharjah: The Anti-Begging Unit of the Sharjah Police General Command has arrested an individual in possession of Dh14,000 in cash which he collected in just three days through begging.
Brigadier General Omar Al-Ghazal Al-Shamsi, Director of the Special Tasks Department and Head of the Beggars and Street Vendors Monitoring Team, said begging is a negative phenomenon that poses both security and social challenges. Beggars exploit the sympathy of community members to gain quick and illegal financial benefits.
In this case, the beggar was reported to the police by a member of the public when he was begging near a mosque. He was appealing to worshippers, claiming to be in need and facing financial hardship. When the police patrol arrived and apprehended him, it was found that he was residing in the country illegally. A sum of Dh14,000 was found in his possession, which, upon investigation, was collected in just three days.
Brigadier Al-Shamsi highlighted that, as part of its awareness campaign “Begging is a Crime, Giving is a Responsibility,” launched at the beginning of Ramadan, Sharjah Police continues its efforts to combat the issue of begging. The campaign includes increasing the presence of military and civilian patrols to apprehend beggars and street vendors, some of whom have turned begging into a seasonal profession, especially during the holy month.
Sharjah Police have urged community members not to respond to beggars and to report any cases of begging they encounter by calling the toll-free number 80040or through the call center at 901.
