Abduction alert at Dubai schools

Dubai: Several schools in Dubai have stepped up security and increased vigilance in parks, parking lots, shopping malls and play areas after cases of attempted abduction of children were reported by parents.

A foundation student of Dubai British School (DBS) was lured by some men in a car in Jumeirah Islands this week. "Fortunately, the incident did not take an ugly turn and the child was saved. The girl's parents reported the matter to us," Peter Moore, Primary Head Teacher at DBS, told XPRESS.

Lisa Foster, a DBS parent and resident of Jumeirah Islands, said developer Nakheel must tighten security in the area. "Anyone can enter here. Where is the security if everyone is let in?" she asked.

Several cases of attempted abduction took place last December in the Emirates Hills area. A female DBS student was approached by a man in a car. "Fortunately, a parent was passing by and escorted the girl to her friends. While the UAE is a safe place to live in, we mustn't be complacent when it comes to children's safety," Moore said.

DBS beefed up security last year and sought help from police and Emaar after students reported attempted abduction cases in The Springs-Meadows. "Today, there are more police patrols. We maintain a log for every person who enters the school," Moore said.

DBS held an assembly on Wednesday to inform students of ‘Stranger Danger'. "We have urged students to walk in groups and ‘yell and run' when confronted by a stranger. Strangers don't conform to a stereotype look," Moore said, adding that a circular will be sent to parents on Thursday. DBS primary students have been recommended a book called Car Trouble, and ID cards have been issued to all parents.

A Wellington International School student was approached this week while he was on his bike to meet friends at a park in Meadows. A circular sent to parents reads: "The man, who was of Asian descent and also on a bike, asked the boy to come to his home. Fortunately... he [the boy] sped off. Eventually the man gave up. This incident was reported to police and the security at Meadows."

Stay away from strangers

Another incident took place near the Union Co-operative Society on Al Wasl Road on Sunday. The child's mum notified the principal of Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS). The school contacted the police, and a circular was sent to parents calling for increased vigilance. Oliver Dronefield, a parent of a student of Jebel Ali Primary School said the letter was sent to them too.

"A few incidents have been reported in the Jumeirah area. While I don't want to over alarm, we have sent a circular to parents on being safe and alert. Students must use common sense. Parents must be vigilant in shopping malls, parks and parking lots and supervise play areas. Don't let children wander off," Andrew Homden, Principal of Jumeirah Baccalaureate School, said, adding, unaccompanied older children must never interact with strangers. "Self-defence may help. Primary students must not trust anyone if they are offered sweets."

Carmel Platt, Primary School Principal, Emirates International School Meadows, said: "Children wait with us in classes till parents pick them up. We have an excellent drop-off-pick-up facility."

"We don't want to terrify students, but make them sensitive to take the matter seriously so that if anything happens, all the things they've been told kick into action. Do yell, run and tell," Moore said.