(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Sharjah Police have arrested 21 beggars of different Asian nationalities in the first week of the holy month. The arrested beggars had changed their appearance to gain more sympathy. Some of them had bandages wrapped around their heads, while others pretended to be blind. Yet others carried infants to evoke sympathy from residents.
Report beggars to police Begging is illegal in the UAE. Residents can report beggars to the police at 901 or 06-5632222 or 80080. The arrests came as the police stepped up inspections before and during the holy month targeting beggars and mobile vendors. A top official at the Sharjah Police said these beggars and mobile vendors were "irritating residents and also distorting the image of the city". Those caught in residential areas had entered the country through visit visas specifically to beg during the holy month. They were reportedly brought here by organised gangs, which paid them just 10 per cent from the total amount they made in a day. The police, however, said the number of beggars has gone down. The inspection campaign will continue, said the police. Awareness campaigns will be carried out to educate the public about the danger posed by beggars. Afkar Abdullah