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Campaign to spread anti-begging message in UAE

Sharjah - Begging causes rise in thefts, other crimes and exploitation of children and disabled people.

An anti-begging awareness campaign was launched on day 1 of Ramadan by the Sharjah Police. The drive will continue throughout the holy month under the slogan 'Combat begging and help the needy'.
A top official at the Sharjah Police said that during the campaign, the officers will distribute pamphlets in several languages, including Arabic, English and Urdu, to people present around shopping centres and residential areas, in front of mosques, public markets and other places where beggars are concentrated.
He added that begging is associated with many risks that threaten the security of the society, as well as lives and property of its members. The negative practice also sullies the image of the emirate and distorts its aesthetic appearance.
Begging causes rise in thefts, other crimes and exploitation of children and disabled people. "The gangs involved in organised begging have been found subjecting children and women to ill-treatment."
He urged the public not to show any pity on the beggars and to inform the police immediately about their presence by calling the toll-free number 901 or 80040 of the Sharjah Police operations room.
The Sharjah Police called on the public to contribute in reducing begging by donating to charity organisations to guarantee the funds reached the poor and needy.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com