Shanghai prepares list of 'professional' beggars

Beijing, Aug 21 (IANS) Police in Chinese business hub Shanghai have published a list of "professional" beggars, who have been caught most often on Metro trains over the past four years.

The list was posted online by the Xujiahui police station of the Shanghai public security bureau urban rail and bus corps, Xinhua reported Tuesday.

A 22-year-old man, who has been caught 308 times, topped the list, while an 88-year-old woman, caught 292 times, was second.

Police have investigated a total of 9,006 cases Jan 1-Aug 10.

Some "professional" beggars even rent their children to other beggars for about 200 yuan ($31) per day. The child is used to gain sympathy from the public, police said.

Some beggars make more than 1,000 yuan every day, far better than many white-collar workers, officials said.

Chinese law states that police can detain those suspected of begging, and forcing others to give them money. However, Shanghai police said it is hard to get evidence as citizens are not willing to testify.

Police said "professional" beggars are well-organised. Once they are stopped by police, they contact fellow beggars on cell phones to help them avoid being caught.