Dubai home robbed during family holiday

Dubai: A Gardens tenant who returned from his annual leave was horrified to find out that his apartment had been broken into and robbed while he was away with his family.

Another surprise was waiting for Firnas Ali, a 30-year-old bank employee, the next day, when he found out that security services have been discontinued at the complex, managed by Nakheel — property developer.

"This is my second year in the Gardens and I live with my wife and two kids. I went on leave to India on December 9, and returned on January 7 at 3am," he said.

"We did not suspect anything when we opened the front door, but when I entered the master bedroom, I found some soil and footstep [impression]. I also found the window slightly open, although we had shut all windows from the inside before we left," he said. After realising that someone entered the apartment, the panicked family started checking if anything was missing.

"I had my phone and laptop with me but another laptop we left at home was missing along with two mobile phones and three expensive watches, and we did not leave any money in the apartment," Ali said, adding that the family slept in another room to avoid touching the evidence.

"I tried calling security but no one answered, then I tried the emergency mobile number and I was told that Nakheel, developers of Gardens, had removed security guards in October without notification to the tenants.

Reinstating guards

"The person I called came and after having a look, he asked me to call the police, who arrived and made a report about the theft and missing items."

A Nakheel spokesperson confirmed to Gulf News that security services have been stopped, adding that they are now provided in common areas. The company was considering reinstating security guards in the complex and will inform the tenants of any decision in this regard, he added.

From a legal stand, no service or facility provided by a landlord may be discontinued throughout the duration of the tenancy contract, according to advocate Mohammad Ebrahim Al Shaiba of Al Bahar Advocates and Legal Consultants.

"All facilities and services provided by the landlord at the time of commencement of the tenancy contract should be continued until the end of the contract, and upon renewal, the landlord can inform the tenant about any changes" Al Shaiba said.

Police are investigating the case.