“This recent police campaign is aimed at ensuring security and combating unpleasant social activities. Raids were carried out in various parts of Makkah province in cooperation with the Passport Department, the National Guard and the Saudi Mujahideen department,” said Gen. Ali Al-Ghamdi, head of Jeddah police.

He added that the police have made elaborate plans to rid the region of beggars, a task that has involved secret police who have been on the prowl looking for beggars and the places that they frequent, such as traffic lights, mosques and shopping malls.

“Giving to those who are not eligible for Zakat is unacceptable. This could be viewed as encouragement and assisting their illegal activities. It could also trigger an increase in the number of people overstaying Umrah or Haj visas,” said Gen. Ali Al-Ghamdi.

Meanwhile, eight Chadian and Ethiopian men recently arrested in Jeddah for breaking into shops and homes across the city. “Police officers were able to track down the suspects through fingerprints left at the crime scenes,” said Col. Misfer Al-Juaid, spokesman for Jeddah police.

“An investigation was launched after we received calls from people whose homes and shops were robbed. There were also reports that car windows in several districts had been smashed to rob the contents of the cars,” he added.

The eight men were arrested together at their home, said Col. Al-Juaid, adding that they are currently in jail while investigations continue.