The head of Jeddah’s Anti Beggary Office said he was “very worried” about the increasing number of beggars seen in the city.
Saad bin Ali Al-Shahrani said beggary “is unfortunately harming the image of the city and it is a phenomenon that represents a challenge to us.”
He said the office is trying to combat and overcome the problem with all available means, including coordination with the police. “Last month, 1,700 beggars, of which men and women with fake injuries and disabilities, were arrested.” Last Saturday, he said, the police captured a network of 7 foreign children aged between 10 and 12. They were found begging at the intersection of Prince Sultan Road and Arrawdha District.
The children were handed over to Al Balad Police Station where they are under investigation to find out who is the party or parties behind them.
