Big decline in robberies in Dubai

Dubai: There has been a significant decrease in robberies in Dubai, police said on Saturday.

Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Humaid Al Merri, Director of the Criminal Investigation Section of Dubai Police, said almost all robberies take place due to the public's negligence in taking basic precautionary measures.

His remarks came after Dubai Police arrested an Afghan suspected of robbing several cars after infiltrating into the country for the seventh time. He was earlier sentenced and deported six times.

His latest robbery was allegedly in October, when he was said to have stolen a woman's purse with six credit cards, cash in different currencies, and her friend's purse, which were all left in the car.

Investigators found that the same method was used in 18 other robberies. These included eight in Al Qusais, six in Al Muraqabat, three in Al Refa'a and one in Naif.

Two days later the police were notified that an Afghan, identified as B.K.A, had infiltrated the country and there was a possibility he had resumed criminal activities.

The suspect initially tried to escape but police managed to arrest him. Officials said they later found in his possession large amounts of money and two mobile phones, which were stolen from the woman who reported the robbery.

"I urge the public not to leave any personal items in their cars even if it's for a short period. Further, never leave the engine on and unattended as the motorist is sending an invitation for robbery. This also includes residences, companies and warehouses who fail to devise basic security measures," Al Merri said.

According to Brigadier Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department for Criminal Investigation of Dubai Police, since the beginning of 2009 there have been 67 robberies committed by infiltrators.

Based on statistics from the department and addressed in a closed meeting with the chief of Dubai Police, Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, there has been a 22 per cent decline in serious crimes in the third quarter of this year compared to last year.

Case file: Crime rate goes down

Cases in third quarter of 2009: