Dubai Police: Whatsapp message about gangs false

Dubai: Dubai Police have warned residents to stop circulating a false message on Whatsapp cautioning residents about gangs allegedly operating in several Dubai communities.

The message titled ‘UAE police warning - please read’ claims that gangs in Al Warqa’a, Al Khawaneej, Mirdif, Al Aweer and International City are targeting women and plotting to steal people’s cars.

It states the gangs are distracting drivers using tactics such as placing a child’s car seat and a fake baby on the side of the road to lure women to stop their cars, or by throwing eggs on windscreens to force drivers to stop and clean their cars.

Dubai Police posted a tweet dismissing the message is a rumour and denied the presence of gangs in some of the emirate’s most popular residential areas.

Article 21 of the Federal Decree No 5/2012 on combating cybercrimes makes it a criminal offence to publish news, electronic photographs or photographs or scenes, comments, data and information even if they are authentic.

Punishments could go up to a life sentence and/or a fine varying between Dh50,000 and Dh3 million depending on the severity of the cybercrime.