Law enforcement agencies are planning a massive clampdown on beggars during the Holy month of Ramadan that begins next week. Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) will be closely coordinating with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Anti-Begging Department of the Ministry of Interior to curb begging, which becomes a menace during the fasting month. Beggars take advantage of people’s generosity and seek alms which is outlawed in cash-rich Qatar where charitable societies are authorised to provide succour to the needy. Brigadier Ali Salman Al Mohannadi, head of Lekhwiya, said his department is actively involved in making extensive preparations for Ramadan to ensure law and order and monitor smooth traffic flow on the roads. Some 50 patrol vans of Lekhwiya will be on the road during the holy month every day. “We will be coordinating with the various departments of the Interior Ministry to maintain law and order during Ramadan,” Ali Salman said. He said begging becomes a menace during the fasting month so special emphasis will be on its clampdown. He said during the holy month public security patrol teams, including those from his department, will be helping motorists involved in breakdowns or if their vehicles have run out of petrol. Meanwhile, the various municipalities have also announced preparations to make sure that things run smoothly during the fasting month. Vigil will be mounted particularly on food vendors to make sure they strictly follow health and safety rules and maintain hygiene. Civic inspectors will be put on duty in four shifts beginning at 8 in the morning, which will last until 1am. They will be conducting raids on eateries, including food vendors with temporary licences, butcheries as well as slaughter houses, he told Al Sharq. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/243891-major-crackdown-on-begging.html

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