Sharjah: A pair of women burglars are in police custody following a raid on their hideout that netted authorities a raft of items stolen from a string of homes in the UAE.

The duo were arrested on Monday after a police forensics team helped identify the women and their location.

When police descended on the burglars’ home, they saw a large collection of goods stolen from homes during a series of break-ins.

Police placed the value of the stolen goods and cash found in the residence at Dh400,000.

The suspects were identified as Lebanese nationals N.A.S. and M.N.A.

Police said during questioning that the suspects confessed that they had broken into several residential flats.

The case was referred to the public prosecution.

Part of the burglars’ secret recipe for ripping off victims without detection, said police, was to target empty homes whose owners had gone on holiday.

The thieves would pick the locks of homes to gain entry before taking away valuables.

Villas were selected after the women did short reconnaissance missions in residential buildings looking for tell-tale signs that owners were away for some time.

Stacks of old newspapers on front steps of homes, said Sharjah Police, are virtual invitations to burglars.

Colonel Ebraheim Musabeih Al Ajel, Head of Criminal and Investigation Department of Sharjah Police, told Gulf News in an earlier interview that people often give little thought to clues that a villa or flat is ripe for the taking.

“A pile of uncleared newspapers or flyers at the doorstep is akin to announcing ‘We’re not at home’. It’s a green light for thieves,” he said.

Col Al Ajel said the Criminal Investigation Department at Sharjah Police started a victim prevention programme after seeing home and car burglaries in the emirate rise.

One of the most important steps people can take is to make it look like their residence is occupied at all times.

“An unoccupied house is a tempting target for thieves,” Col Al Ajel said. “Request your neighbour to watch over your house for any signs of suspicious behaviour.”

Col Al Ajel reminded Sharjah residents that it is illegal to drop leaflets and flyers at homes, cars or buildings, according to a decision issued earlier by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

Col Al Ajel called upon community members to cooperate with law enforcement officers to report violations and hand over offenders to police.

He urged residents to register with the police security system that will monitor their homes in their absence.

“People can register for the service via the Sharjah Police website or at the nearest police station,” said Col Al Ajel. “The goal is to make people feel their property is safe while they are away.

 

Important precautions to take while going on holiday

 

1. Put your newspaper subscription on hold till you return from your vacation.

2. Ask a neighbour, friend or relative to check your house once or twice a day to ensure it is safe and ask them to clear the papers and flyers lying outside.

3. Don’t inform people of your holiday plans.

4. Leave a few lights on inside the house with an automatic timer.

5. Secure all doors and windows.

6. Unplug all appliances to prevent possible fires.

7. Register with the police security programme.

8. Contact police on toll-free number Najeed 800151, or on ‘Wiqayah’ 06-5623322, 06-5943210 to report any suspicious activity.