UAE | Crime
Police reassure residents after Al Barsha molestation
Following an assault on a woman in broad daylight by a construction worker, a senior police officer has assured Al Barsha residents that police are constantly patrolling the area, given the widespread construction activity.
- By Kevin Scott, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:41 October 3, 2008
Dubai: Following an assault on a woman in broad daylight by a construction worker, a senior police officer has assured Al Barsha residents that police are constantly patrolling the area, given the widespread construction activity.
Brigadier Abdul Jalil Mahdi, Deputy Director of Dubai Police's Criminal Investigation Department for Preventive Security, was responding to the case of an Australian woman being groped by a labourer.
"Nobody should feel threatened or in danger as we are always present. Anybody who feels unsafe should contact us and we will increase patrols at certain times or on particular streets," said Mahdi.
The 24-year-old victim, who wished to remain anonymous, was attacked in the morning while walking near her building, close to the Mall of the Emirates.
Her assailant attacked her from behind, groped her and then forced her to the ground. She managed to scream for help and her attacker - a construction worker from the subcontinent - backed off and ran away in the direction of the mall.
Speaking to Gulf News about her ordeal, the woman said: "I was walking near my flat in Al Barsha at around 10.30am in the morning. I was listening to music on my iPod and was away in my own little world when I was grabbed from behind and sexually violated.
"I managed to pull my attacker to the ground and he eventually ran away as I struggled against him. A man nearby heard my screams and chased him, but he managed to escape.
"I was in shock and felt violated, scared and disgusted. I am still scared and very cautious now when walking around the area. I am constantly looking behind when I'm out and about as there is a lot of construction activity where I live."
Kerry comparison
Brigadier Mahdi also said people should not make a connection between the recent case of the missing South African woman Kerry Winter and general safety in Al Barsha.
"The Kerry Winter case is different because she was attacked and kidnapped by somebody she knew, not just a stranger.
"The suspect in that case has been arrested and referred to the public prosecution," Mahdi said.
Nanette Elefante, a 25-year-old Filipino sales executive, who lives in Al Barsha near the spot where the attack took place, is unperturbed.
She said: "I've been living in Dubai for more than three years and I do feel it is safe to live here."
- With additional inputs from Wafa Issa, Staff Reporter
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