298 street vendors, beggars, illegal car washers nabbed

The sweep against the law-breakers had also resulted in the seizure of several low-quality goods and pirated CDs.

Civic inspectors conduct daily spot checks in streets and public places to prevent street vending, begging and car washing in public places by individuals in violation of a ruling by the Ministry of Labour in this regard. The nine inspectors at the Security and Control Unit of the Administrative Affairs Department carry out regular checks.

In September 2008, they caught a total of 298 people including 119 street vendors, 149 beggars, 27 car washers and three illegal butchers and fish cleaners. A total of 663 counterfeit products including ready-made garments, perfumes, cameras, and watches that were fake international brands were confiscated. Also, some 5,472 DVDs with pirated films and 35 pornographic movies were seized last month.

The law-breakers, who belong to various nationalities, would be handed over to the Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department for deportation in coordination with Dubai Police. The seized goods would be destroyed and disposed off safely after legal actions were taken against the violators.

The public is urged to call the Municipality Emergency office on 04-2232323 round-the-clock to report such illegal activities.