As many as 116 beggars (59 males and 57 females) have been arrested in Dubai during the first half of the holy month of Ramadan, as authorities crack down on the illegal practice.
Major General Jamal Salem Al Jallaf, Dubai Police's General Department of Criminal Investigation Director, said the "beggars were found with cash collected by falsely claiming to be in need and exploiting the compassion of community members".
A family of two brothers and their wives were caught begging outside a mosque “using deceptive and theatrical” tactics to show they were disabled, he said, adding that they had entered the country on visit visas.
Al Jallaf urged the public not to show sympathy to such individuals, and to donate only to official charities.
Dubai Police have stepped up inspections during Ramadan, with officers closely monitoring locations frequented by beggars, and the public urged to report violators via call centre (901), Dubai Police's "Eye" smart app or the E-Crime service.
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