UAE | Crime

Dubai home robbed during family holiday

Developer had removed security services in October without notifying the tenants

  • By Dina Aboul Hosn, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:00 January 22, 2012
  • Gulf News

Firnas Ali points to the window that had apparently been used by thieves to enter his premises
  • Image Credit: Asghar Khan/Gulf News
  • Firnas Ali, a tenant of the ground floor apartment at Gardens, building No 77, points to the window that had apparently been used by thieves to enter his premises.

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.

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"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.

Comments (9)

  1. Added 16:34 January 22, 2012

    I have been living in the Gardens for the past 6 years and I started noticing that the area is not as good as before. They almost doubled the cost of the AC, no security, not taking care of the roads, streets and trees like before. It's so sad to see a lovely area like the Gardens deteriorating this way. I think we should all go to Nakheel and complain about all this.

    Amel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  2. Added 15:58 January 22, 2012

    From the photo i see that the Window is very low and close to the ground. i mean to say the the height of the window is low. Grill needs to be installed, of course you will need to take prermission from the building ower.

    Anonymous, sharjah, United Arab Emirates

  3. Added 15:53 January 22, 2012

    Having no security is a mjor setback for Gardens' tenants. I will think twice about staying back here or recommending it to friends.

    Anonymous, Dubai - Gardens , United Arab Emirates

  4. Added 15:03 January 22, 2012

    Its so sad to hear about thefts in residential areas. I live in the Discovery gardens and many of the Buildings including our building dont have a security guard. Every evening we find lots of Advertistment catalogues and calling cards dropped in front of our doors and on the carpets. Many of them are not by any registered shops, but cards of massage, room cleaning services, etc. Its really a mess and we need to take it out everyday and put in the garbage. Since there is no property security persons for each building, any time there is chance of theft and breaking into apartments as most residents are working and will return only in the evening. The authorities should take necessary steps so that the property owners take necessary steps to protect the residents who are paying huge rents for the apartments.

    Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  5. Added 14:34 January 22, 2012

    After reading this article it made me surprised to receive a call from somebody today 22-1-12 stating that we have broken your apartment lock located at Discovery Garden by mistake. It is totally unacceptable attitude of Nakhleel who have left the resident on other's hand. now I don't know what I should do since I am in Abu Dhabi. Should I have to report this attitude with local authority?

    Baboo Mohammad Eslam, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

  6. Added 12:43 January 22, 2012

    I live on ground floor too. So, when going on leave I used to put at least two screws each to outside windows. Since it is easy to open with a small effort.

    Arif, Dubai, Al Nahda, United Arab Emirates

  7. Added 12:18 January 22, 2012

    Gardens is generally a safe and wonderful place to live. On the other hand, it is indeed shocking that Nakheel has now discontinued the security services without any prior intimation to the tenants. This lack of security could cause a rise in such thefts. Residents should now take extra precaution to keep a watch on strangers and new faces inside the area, while ensuring that their doors and windows are locked when not at home. It is also quite unfair on the decision of the authorities to blindly double the cooling charges, without any prior justification. Many apartments are already laying vacant.

    Anonymous, Abraham, United Arab Emirates

  8. Added 10:03 January 22, 2012

    It is a pity that such a good community has no security. Have been a resident of Gardens for the last 10 years and am actually happy to see number of pet dogs in Gardens as this might deter some thieves to an extent. I sincerely hope after this report we have security personnel in the community. We cannot afford to have our lives and that of dear ones at stake because of some petty thief. Please act now, and thank you Gulf News for this report. Neeraj N

    Neeraj, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  9. Added 08:59 January 22, 2012

    Don't leave costly things at home. while leaving check that all the doors and windows are locked. if your not satisfied with the existing locking system please go for the better as you like. The main thing is don't leave the room or hall dark before leaving provide some low watts bulb as it shows that someone is in.

    Anonymous, Deira, United Arab Emirates

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