UAE | Crime
Public 'must play role to cut crime'
Dubai Police have urged residents to report suspicious events in their neighbourhood, as part of its efforts to tackle crime in the emirate.
- By Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporter
- Published: 22:52 October 3, 2009
- One vital aspect is the important role of people in the community in reporting a suspicious matter, says Major Rashid Saleh.
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Dubai: Dubai Police have urged residents to report suspicious events in their neighbourhood, as part of its efforts to tackle crime in the emirate.
The criminal investigation department at Dubai Police reported 322 robberies since the beginning of the year.
Major Rashid Saleh, Head of the financial crimes division at Dubai Police, said in an interview that their department arrested 367 robbery suspects and who were referred to the Public Prosecution; of which 131 were also violaters of the country's labour and residency laws.
"One vital aspect is the important role of people in the community in reporting a suspicious matter. Unfortunately people are increasingly becoming passive participants rather than active and positive role players," he said.
Major Saleh urged the public to use safety measures in stores by installing surveillance cameras and security alarm systems connected to the operation rooms of Dubai Police.
As for households, Dubai Police has a free service whereby individuals can register when they travel for a short or long period abroad. Routine patrol units also monitor the residential areas.
"One of the major factors that led to the decline in robberies is the government's decision to grant illegal immigrants an amnesty period as many of the crimes are committed by illegal immigrants and those who recently lost their jobs," he said.
The iris scan is yet another significant factor in preventing previously deported criminals from returning, said Major Saleh.
However, robbers are gradually turning into sophisticated techniques with organised gangs being arrested lately.
"You have criminals specialised in robbing residences, others specialise in commercial stores, or robbing a safe. Some criminals learn the techniques of stealing in their home country. During interrogation, they confessed of getting lessons in theft techniques," he said.
Dubai Police have implemented a number of strategies to limit robberies, including increasing its patrol units in different areas. It also urges the public to take precautionary measures while at home or when leaving their cars unattended with the engine on for a long time.
This year, a number of robberies were committed by labourers who were made redundant in the wake of the global financial crisis. "Many of those labourers were not deported immediately after ending their employment services. They took the opportunity in committing a number of robberies," he said.
Notable among those arrested were two elderly Arabs, who carried out 35 robberies in just two months. They were experts in robbing safes. The Jordanian and his Syrian partner were on a visit visa when they entered the country in April this year. They were arrested after surveillance cameras captured their pictures as they entering a couple of stores.
Recently an Arab salesman working at a company specialised in selling kitchen items and equipment was arrested for robbing expensive items from his workplace. The robberies started at the end of last year but the missing items were noticed by the company management after five months.
The most serious kinds of robberies for the police force are robberies from households as it could pose a security and safety threat for the people living in the residence. These kinds of robberies are listed as a top priority for the police force to combat and eliminate, said Major Saleh.
Many of the thieves ensure that the residences they intend to rob are empty.
Trapped: Four Jacket thieves held
An East European gang was recently arrested for stealing more than two dozens of classy leather jackets worth around Dh300,000 from stores in Dubai. Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Al Merri, Director of the Criminal Investigation Division at Dubai Police, said four famous stores in Dubai were recently reported to have been robbed by a gang of three women and a man.
Two of the women would engage the store staff in conversations while the other two would wear leather jackets underneath their clothes in the changing rooms and sneak out of the stores.
The four suspects were referred to Public Prosecution.
How careful are you when it comes to security at home? Do you pay attention to the security systems in stores?
Your comments
it is truley said and highly imperative that the citizens should play a critical role in assisting the police department for a crime free neighbourhood.People have becoming self centered and try to avoid issues as long as it doesn;t effect them directly. But they have to understand that thier participation is utmost important for a clean ambience of their children's future.
Tonmoy Barooa
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 04, 2009, 17:35
People are worried about the post complaint session,they feel that they have to visit the police stations from time to time etc. online facility can help a lot, people like ME are really intrested in helping the police.
Sachin N Joshi
Dubai,U.A.E
Posted: October 04, 2009, 16:10
Please let me know if there is any online facility, where one can report on telemarketing fraud. Thanks
Vinod
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 04, 2009, 14:05
i would suggest you to have online crime reporting system. This is will really make huge difference in reporting the crime.
Abdul Mannan
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: October 04, 2009, 11:03
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