Dubai: It is that time of the year again when people start leaving for their summer vacations to escape the soaring temperatures and the muggy humidity.
Many just pack up and go, happy in the belief that good security here will keep their home safe.
Police, however, have warned against taking the safety of your home and possessions for granted and to take a few precautions to minimise the risk of burglary.
Watch out
Take a look around your home before you leave and take the necessary steps to make the home as burglarproof as possible. As they saying goes, an ounce of prevention. The obvious thing to do is to make sure all the doors and windows are locked properly.
Burglaries are becoming quite common nowadays and the UAE's booming economy continues to attract con artists and professional thieves.
Gulf News has reported many incidents of expatriates returning home to find the front door open and their valuables stolen. Investigations showed that the thieves knew exactly where to look for the valuables.
The job was done so efficiently that next door neighbours and the building watchman did not know about it till the family returned from vacation.
You can also take advantage of the free security services offered by Dubai Police for holidaymakers. Police will keep an eye on your villa or apartment if you register with the police. Ajman police is offering a similar service.
Many people are lulled by the fact that the UAE is a safe and peaceful country. "It is important for everyone to take precautions and safety measures, even if you are going away for short weekend breaks," said a police officer.
A video monitoring device will be placed in your home while you are away and even you can monitor your home through the internet.
To apply for the service in Dubai log on to www.dubaipolice.gov.ae and follow instructions in the link 'Home Safety'. Applicants will have to check out some items to avail of the service.
They can also call Captain Rashid Abdrahman Al Dhabool on 050 553 5538 or (04) 201 3574/201 3581 or 262 2861, between 7.30am and 2.30pm.
For service with the Ajman Police call (06) 7409999 and ask for operations room.
Precautions: Things to do before you leave
- Make sure doors and windows are locked. Fix bolts for extra safety.
- Make sure the wardrobe or safes, where you keep your jewellery, are securely locked.
- Better still, put jewellery and other valuables in a safe deposit box in a bank.
- Don't leave the keys of your car lying around where they can be easily taken.
- Tell your relatives or a friend to periodically check your house while you are away. Someone can switch on the lights in one room one day, and the next room the following day to create the impression that someone is in the home.
- Make sure that taps are closed properly and electric gadgets are switched off and the gas cylinder turned off.
- Tell the nearest police station that you will be away from home and to keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour near your home. The service is free.
- Have a neighbour or the watchman pick up your newspapers. Do not leave them to pile up in front of your door.
- You can leave lights on automatic timers.
- Don't advertise the fact that you are going away on a holiday on your telephone answering machine.
- Stop the drinking water delivery for the period you are away.
