BBC News Online: Despatches

Sharjah sees increase in begging

Police in the Gulf Emirate of Sharjar in the United Arab Emirates have formed a special squad to arrest a growing number of beggars. Since the start of the Muslim month of fasting known as Ramadan, police say the number of people begging on the streets has proliferated. As our correspondent in the Gulf, Frank Gardner, reports from Sharjar, many people have now turned to begging as a lucrative form of income:

For millions of Muslims around the world, the holy month of Ramadan is supposed to be a time of forgiveness and charity, but for a growing band of entrepreneurs in Sharjar, it's also an opportunity for enrichment. Sharjar's director of criminal investigations, Captain Sultan Al Nuaimi, told the local paper Gulf News that more than 15 beggars have been rounded up since Ramadan began a week ago.

He said that many of them were teenagers who were encouraged by their parents to seek handouts in mosques and marketplaces. Of more concern to the police are those who have come to the United Arab Emirates from abroad apparently for the sole purpose of begging.

Captain Al Nuaimi cited an example of one man who was caught begging with over $2000 on him, while holding a visit visa. Cracking down on beggars during Ramadan is a controversial issue, since no one wants to be uncharitable to the poor.

But the police have also detected an increasing number of thefts by beggars. Mobile phones, jewellery and household items can have a habit of disappearing after a home visit by a beggar.

For the residents of Sharjar, Ramadan may prove to be a time of extra vigilance, just when they are least prepared for it.

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