Sharjah: Tip-offs from residents have led to more crackdowns on gambling, police said.
There have been several complaints from the public against roadside gambling, leading to police raids.
As a result, there is less gambling on the streets this year, said Colonel Jihad Sahoo, director of Sharjah Police’s Criminal Investigation Department.
Gambling is a recurring problem in some locations with high footfall, such as the vicinity of the National Paints flyover.
Last year, following a tip-off by Gulf News, undercover officers busted a popular gambling haunt next to the bridge. However, suspected gamblers have been spotted there again recently.
Workers in the area have said the banned practice was a “nuisance and eyesore as we were solicited to gamble as we walked past almost daily”.
Gamblers make money by duping passers-by into playing rigged games of chance. Ring members pose as players who are allowed to win a few rounds, enticing bystanders.
They often use ironing boards as a table, allowing gamblers – who have look-outs and informers placed in the crowds – to quickly disperse at the hint of police action.
However, police officers – both uniformed and plainclothes – are closing in on the gangs with daily patrols, Col Sahoo told Gulf News.
He said gamblers are usually illegal residents and the activity often leads to violence.
The CID director added that once the department receives a complaint against gambling, patrols are immediately scrambled to the scene.
“Sharjah Police have intensified efforts to end violations of the country’s residency laws. That can only be achieved with the full cooperation of law-abiding residents, through the media and the wider community,” Col Sahoo said.
He added that a number of raids have been carried out recently to curb the practice. The raids will continue until all illegal activities are put to an end, Col Sahoo said.
He urged residents to cooperate with police and inform them about illegal practices, which “annoy the residents in public areas and streets”.
He advised them to report offences “that threaten the security of society” by calling 999, 06563222, the Najeed police service’s toll-free number 800151, or via SMS on 7999.
