News DeskDubai, UAE – Dubai Police have apprehended an Asian beggar who was found in possession of witchcraft talismans, which she believed would help her influence individuals to give her money. The arrest took place as part of the ‘Combat Begging’ campaign, an initiative launched by Dubai Police in collaboration with strategic partners.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the nation’s civilized image by combating and preventing begging. Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department in the General Department of Criminal Investigation, disclosed that the beggar was apprehended in a residential area with ‘papers, tools, witchcraft talismans, and a magic veil’ in her possession.
Brig. Al Shamsi emphasized that the arrest was facilitated through the cooperation of a community member who promptly reported the individual to the Command and Control Centre of the General Department of Operations.
Brig. Al Shamsi urged community members to refrain from sympathizing with beggars or providing them with money. He warned against falling victim to beggars’ schemes that aim to manipulate people’s emotions, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. These methods often involve fabricated stories and deceptive tactics commonly employed near mosque entrances, clinics, hospitals, markets, and streets.
Community members are encouraged to support the campaign by promptly reporting beggars by contacting the toll-free number 901 or through the ‘Police Eye’ service on the Dubai Police smart app. Cyber beggars can be reported through the e-Crime platform (www.ecrime.ae).
