MAKKAH, 2 March 2008 — A police officer in Makkah was literally shocked to learn the fantastic amount a beggar in the holy city had in her possession — most likely her daily earnings. The officer and his team were on a surprise visit to an intersection at the beginning of the Makkah-Jeddah highway to end the increasing menace of beggars at the location. On seeing the police car approaching, the beggars scampered. The officer went after one African woman. However, he soon realized he was not a match for the nimble woman, though she was past her youthful days. While running, the woman’s wallet fell and of course she could not stop to retrieve it. The law enforcement officer took the wallet and found in it SR14,000 plus $500 (SR1,875). A handsome collection indeed.