Dubai Police Arrest Beggars in Ramadan Crackdown
Police in Dubai Arrest Nine Beggars on Ramadan's First Day
The holy month of Ramadan is a moving and unifying period for the Muslim world each year, where charity and assistance play a central role. Unfortunately, some exploit this goodwill, resorting to begging to gain money by taking advantage of others' compassion. The Dubai police were vigilant once again, arresting nine beggars on the first day of Ramadan as part of an anti-begging campaign.
The Campaign's Goal: Creating an Honest Community
Dubai police have been actively fighting against begging for years, launching numerous successful initiatives in this regard. On the first day of this year's Ramadan, they arrested five men and four women who exploited the spirit of the month to collect money. The head of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena emphasized that the campaign's goal is not just to stop begging, but also to preserve the dignity of the community.
In the United Arab Emirates, begging is considered a crime and carries severe penalties. Begging can result in a fine of up to 5,000 dirhams and a three-month prison sentence. For those who beg in an organized manner with people recruited from abroad, penalties can include up to six months in prison and a 100,000 dirham fine. Additionally, unauthorized charity collections can result in fines of up to 500,000 dirhams.
New Forms of Begging
Begging today is not only present in its traditional form, such as around mosques, markets, or community events. Online begging forms are becoming more frequent, where involved parties request donations for mosque construction or humanitarian purposes. These new methods pose challenges to the authorities, but Dubai police continuously develop their strategies to effectively combat them as well.
The Community's Role
The community also plays an important role in the fight against begging. Residents are urged not to give money to beggars and not to be swayed by sympathy, as many times these individuals are victims of organized crime, being exploited. It often happens that women with children or sick people beg to elicit greater sympathy.
Dubai police ask residents not to hesitate to report any suspicious cases. Reports can be submitted through the 901 customer service, the 'Police Eye' service available in the Dubai Police smart app, or electronic crimes can be reported via the 'E-crime' online platform.
Looking to the Future
In their annual security plans, the Dubai police place special emphasis on the fight against begging. The police continuously increase the number of patrols in areas where beggars often operate and monitor the new tricks used by beggars. These measures not only serve to protect the community but also contribute to ensuring that Dubai remains a safe and dignified city.
The holy month of Ramadan is a time of compassion and charity, but it's important that our goodwill is not exploited for others' gain. The Dubai police campaign serves precisely this purpose: to create a community where everyone can live with dignity and safety.
