Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Interior on Monday launched a ‘No to Begging’ campaign to raise public awareness about appropriate ways to handle beggars.
Lt General Saif Abdullah Al Sha’far, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior, urged residents to report beggars.
“Beggars use various schemes and tricks to take advantage of residents’ kindness. This behaviour may seem insignificant, but it impacts society and security negatively,” he said.
Highlighting the methods employed by beggars, Lt General Al Sha’far said some beggars present medical documents claiming that they, or a relatives, is ill. Others try to elicit sympathy by begging near mosques. “Sometimes beggars visit neighborhoods and homes under the guise of asking for help and commit thefts or other crimes,” he added.
Lt General Al Sha’far encouraged residents to report beggars in Abu Dhabi by calling the police operations room at 999, or the Aman Service at 8002626.
To report beggars in other emirates, residents can call 800243 in Dubai; 065632222 in Sharjah; 072053372 in Ras Al Khaimah; 067401616 in Ajman; 999 in Umm Al Quwain and 092051100 or 092224411 in Fujairah.
