The number of beggars arrested this Ramadan as part of the ongoing anti-begging campaign has come down considerably due to the efforts exerted by the patrolling team. Usually, Ramadan sees an influx of beggars seeking to exploit the philanthropic and giving spirit of the holy month. Such people thrive on the public's increased levels of sympathy and giving during this period. To appeal to people's generosity, pan-handlers narrate sob stories or bring along their children while roaming the streets or knocking on doors for added effect. In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula, Lieutenant-Colonel Hamad Al Jufairi, Director of the Begging Combating Section at the Ministry of Interior, said the number of beggars arrested this year has come down considerably thanks to the "enormous efforts" of the patrolling teams and the cooperation of public in identifying beggars. As cases of begging increase noticeably during Ramadan, the Begging Combating Section, which is under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), has intensified its vigilance campaign by going on rounds. This year the patrolling team comprised male and female staff that monitored areas known to be hangouts for beggars. Along with the special task force, the Section has set up a hotline to receive calls from the public and file complaints. The hotline is open 24 hours a day. "Final data on the number of arrests will be announced at the end of Ramadan, however, I can tell that at least one to two beggars have been arrested every day, compared to the 10 or 15 last year. Investigations have revealed most of those arrested have entered the country on visit visas while the remaining are residents," said Al Jufairi. The official stressed that according to the Qatari penal code begging is a crime and has sections on penalties for begging. The law has given the police authority to arrest beggars and if the beggar is a resident, he or she would be subject to deportation, said Al Jufairi. Begging is not acceptable in society here so needy families and individuals are encouraged to approach charitable organisations which have been set up to extend a helping hand to citizens and residents who need assistance. The negative impact of giving alms to beggars and street hawkers lead to the spread of the menace and so the public should refrain from giving alms to panhandlers. Instead, they should donate the money to official charitable organisations, said the official. Those who want to register a complaint on the menace of begging should call 4823812, 4714222 and 4714220 or Fax 4714256. The Pen

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