Sharjah Police apprehends 95 beggars and street vendors

Ramadan campaign to curb begging

The drive, launched at the start of the holy month under the slogan “Begging is a crime and giving is a responsibility”, is being carried out in cooperation with the Security Media Department. It forms part of the force’s ongoing efforts to tackle begging and address its impact on public safety and social order.

Increased patrols and swift response

Lieutenant Colonel Yousef Al Mahmoud, Director of the Special Tasks Department and Head of the Anti-Begging and Street Vendors Committee, said field teams had stepped up patrols since the campaign began and increased their readiness to monitor areas where such activity is likely to occur. Officers have also responded promptly to reports received through official channels. He explained that the campaign focuses on two main pillars: field enforcement and community awareness.

Exploiting charitable spirit

According to Lt Col Al Mahmoud, the teams detained 75 men and 20 women of various nationalities. He noted that those involved had turned begging into a source of quick income, exploiting the charitable spirit of the community and using a range of tactics to win sympathy, particularly targeting worshippers as they leave mosques.

Legal consequences and public awareness

He stressed that such conduct is a criminal offence under the law, describing it as harmful to the image of society and an abuse of its humanitarian values rooted in solidarity and generosity. Sharjah Police, he added, will continue to roll out awareness initiatives across digital platforms and the media, urging residents to channel donations through officially approved organisations to ensure assistance reaches those genuinely in need.

Call for community cooperation

Lt Col Al Mahmoud encourages the public to support the campaign and cooperate with police by reporting cases of begging via 911. Community participation, Lt Col Al Mahmoud said, remains essential in reducing the phenomenon.