SHARJAH // Sharjah Police said they recorded an increase in illegal sales and begging, particularly by people going door to door.
Police said that during June and July, 158 complaints about illegal sales or begging were made on the non-emergency hotline, and most were about people knocking on residential apartments in the emirate.
There was also an increase in female beggars, police said, while illegal salesman were typically from Asian countries and in the UAE illegally, selling counterfeit goods such as makeup, children’s toys and household items.
More than 9,000 beggars and illegal migrants were caught so far this year, said Lt Col Saleem Harimal, head of the Sharjah Police violations section. Most were found living in abandoned buildings and construction sites or empty labour accommodations.
“Police carried out 440 inspections and raids during the first eight months of this year, and out of the arrested, there were 2,813 women,” said Lt Col Harimal.
He added that illegal activities such as begging intensify during public and religious holidays including Eid Al Adha and Ramadan.
Sharjah Police have intensified crackdown campaigns during the past two months to curb illegal activities in the emirate.
Police warned residents that people posing as beggars late at night may attempt to steal people’s bags. Residents were asked to report illegal activities to the police hotline 901.
tzriqat@thenational.ae
