DUBAI: The police authorities in the UAE caught a large number of beggars in various emirates between November and March 2022.

The police said that many individuals and groups have been found amassing large sums of money by begging. Officials urged residents not to give money to beggars and to make donations through registered organisations only.

Long before the start of the holy month of Ramadan, the police have repeatedly reminded the public that begging is a crime punishable by law.

Cops have also warned the community against engaging with beggars. Across the UAE, the police are stepping up patrols to crack down on beggars, before and during the holy month of Ramadan.

Top police officials at various emirates have confirmed that most of the beggars have been recruited by organised gangs from outside the country. They deceive the community members, especially when the country is observing the holy month of Ramadan. Begging can lead to other crimes such as burglary and exploiting children, the elderly and people of determination to raise money illegally, the police warned.

Last year, during Ramadan, the Dubai Police arrested 604 individuals, including 382 beggars and 222 street peddlers. The authority received 2,235 reports from residents related to begging, including 1,956 reports through the (901) call centre and 279 via the ‘Police Eye’ service.