Residents of New Dubai's residential communities are seeking the creation of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme following incidents of vandalism, burglaries and trespassing.
Richard Richardson, Chairman of the Arabian Ranches Residents Committee (ARRC) which represents 3,000 residents, told XPRESS: "There has been an escalation of incidents at the moment. It (Neighbourhood Watch) is something that we need to put into place. The community is looking into it."
They are currently looking for volunteers, he said, adding the plan has the residents' backing.
Afifa B., a resident of Savannah enclave in the Ranches, supports the scheme after she reported a break-in and robbery at her villa in March.
"They broke in from the aluminium door facing the golf area … the aluminium door was locked. I do not feel safe in this area anymore, even with all that ‘security'," she said.
The most resounding call for a home watch came from Mrs. K. Ahmad, whose family was horrified when her Indonesian housemaid delivered a baby inside her house.
They didn't know the housemaid was pregnant. The child's father, it emerged, was a landscape supervisor at the community who would slip into the house while the Ahmads were away.
"I am very keen to set up the neighbourhood watch scheme in the Ranches and there are many residents ready to pitch in," said Mrs Ahmad.
An Emaar spokesperson said they welcome any initiatives residents may undertake to develop a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and encourage communities "to be vigilant and proactive to report any disturbances or events of concern to the community security".
"Any security and safety service such as the Neighbourhood Watch must be linked up with the Dubai Police's schemes," the spokesperson said.
Martin Seward-Case, chairman of the residents' committee at Springs and Meadows, welcomed a neighbourhood watch scheme.
A recent incident angered community residents when they found out vandals had thrown tables and chairs into a neighbourhood pool. Vandals also discharged fire extinguishers and "trashed the ladies' changing room", he said.
"We would assume that the vandals are teenagers who are more than likely the children of residents," he said.
A private security firm said they had been approached by some residents for the home watch scheme. Allan Rignall, managing director in Dubai of security firm Group 4 Securicor, said they are willing to help put together the scheme alongside developers and authorities.
Swipe cards
Property firm Emaar is poised to introduce swipe cards at its luxury gated residential complexes along Emirates Road to heighten security and make access more convenient, say residents.
The smart cards will also be used to tighten security in areas such as pools and parks where residents will be able to simply swipe their cards to gain access.
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