Dubai: The mystery behind the murder of a 40-year-old Mauritian woman at the parking lot of a shopping mall could have been solved if there was more awareness among the public to cooperate with the police.

Brigadier Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department for Criminal Investigations, said cooperation from the public is improving but more awareness is needed.

During a press conference to launch a campaign, "Cooperate with Dubai Police," he said that only five per cent of criminal cases are resolved with the assistance from the public and in general there is only a 20 to 30 per cent participation or willingness to assist, which is below par, he said.

"I am not discouraging or criticising the public. We guarantee absolute confidentiality and protection," he said. Lieutenant-General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Dubai Police, said in a statement, "everyone is welcomed and urged to assist the police in any case or suspicious movements or persons in their areas. Everyone is assured complete confidentiality and is protected and honoured for their role. But this confidentiality or cooperation should not be used to take revenge on someone."

Police stations across Dubai along with the operations room and Dubai Police website are equipped to register any information provided by the public.

Intimidation

A police officer could meet any person with information at any place and time if the person feels intimidated to go to any police station, said Brigadier Al Mansouri.

"The person has the option of being a witness and taking part in the court proceedings but anyone who provides information could be registered as a source to a police officer," he said. The police is encouraging people of different nationalities and backgrounds to cooperate with Dubai Police.

Cooperation with the police help in arresting a gang specialised in stealing rented cars. A person provided police with information that led investigators to find one of the stolen cars on a ship.

This small clue led the investigators to bust the gang, said Brigadier Al Mansouri.

Tourist Security - Department of Dubai Police: 800 4438

Criminal Pursuit - Department of Dubai Police: 04 288 1226

Wanted persons - Department of Dubai Police: 04 266 0929

Victim support -  Programme of Dubai Police: 800 8989

Al Ameen Service: 800 4888

Operations room: 999