Dubai: Dubai Police have urged motorists not to leave their cars with engines running and unattended while going to buy items from nearby shops or complete quick trips.
The call comes in light of several instances of car thefts, where owners came back to find their vehicles gone.
Dubai Police's Criminal Investigation Department has registered the theft of nine cars with engines left running by their owners since the beginning of this year, out of which five were recovered.
In 2009, 64 such cases were reported, and all vehicles were found by police, compared to 40 in 2008 out of which 35 were recovered.
Lieutenant Colonel Jamal Salem Al Jallaf, Deputy Director of the Control Section of the CID, said these incidents increase during summer since many people leave their engines running to ensure vehicles remain cool, despite the awareness campaigns organised by police.
He said many reports were received from people who left their engines running while they went to buy take-away meals or shop at nearby grocery shops or other things.
Many of these cases happen as a result of drivers' negligence, such as a driver who left his vehicle engine running while he went to the supermarket, and when he came out he could not find it, according to Lt Col Al Jallaf.
He said thieves often target luxury cars, such as one that was parked in Deira while its owner went to buy a mobile phone. The car was later found in Muhaisnah.
A car thief had admitted that he was tempted when he saw an empty car with its engine running while he was waiting for a taxi, so he decided to steal it.
Easy target: Magnet for car-snatchers
- In 2010 so far, 9 cars left running by their owners stolen, out of which 5 were recovered.
- In 2009, 64 cars stolen while left running, and all were recovered by police,
- In 2008, 40 cars stolen, out of which 35 were recovered
Have you ever stepped out of the car without locking it? Why do you think this is a common practice in the UAE?
