Authorities in Abu Dhabi have revealed beggars are using new ways to con people into giving them money as Ramadan approaches. And some of those pretending to be struggling for cash even have their own car to drive to begging spots, so they have a motor to make a quick getaway from cops.
Abu Dhabi Police revealed that beggars in the emirate are now pretending to have physical disabilities and permanent illnesses.
They said some even present fake medical documents to potential donors in an attempt to back up their claims.
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Police said the number of beggars, who are mostly from Asian and Arab countries, tends to increase during Ramadan as they try to exploit people’s kindness during the holy month.
Brigadier Maktoum Al Sharifi, director of Abu Dhabi Metropolitan Police, said begging is a nuisance to many residents and damages the country’s image.
“We have stepped up measures to combat begging, especially during Ramadan, and this includes setting up a special team to catch the beggars,” he said.
Al Sharifi noted that non-uniformed officers will be deployed in places commonly targeted by beggars, including mosques, souks, shopping malls and certain streets in residential areas.
The officer said beggars are swindlers because they exploit people’s love of being charitable, especially during the holy days.
“Some beggars think that begging is an ‘unbelievably profitable’ career. This is an act of deception, especially towards the generous donors,” he said.
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