Dubai a safer place as community role in vigilance grows steadily

Dubai: Dubai became one of the safest cities in the world in 2011, with the serious crime rate index falling to below 1 per 100,000 residents, according to Dubai Police.

Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief, expressed "great satisfaction" with the improved perception of public safety, adding that the index puts Dubai right at the top when it comes to security.

Speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony marking the conclusion of 2011 activities of the Juvenile Awareness and Care Association, Lt Gen Dahi said the significant drop of almost 90 per cent in the serious crime rate in 2011 compared to 2010 was the result of extensive security programmes conducted by Dubai Police last year.

Special programmes

These programmes include ‘Catch a thief', a home security programme that resulted in a 30 per cent drop in house thefts, and another social initiative called ‘Your policeman neighbour', which puts a resident police officer in every residential area to connect with the residents and help them with any security issues.

‘Security islands' is another programme being implemented which creates specialised teams to tackle each crime, while the ‘Comprehensive police centre programme' helps people complete any police transactions in one place.

Meanwhile, police patrols have been on duty round the clock and intensified their presence in residential areas, acting as a strong deterrent to criminals.

Civic service call

Lt Gen Dahi renewed his call to introduce compulsory civic service for all UAE citizens after finishing high school to enhance their sense of loyalty to the nation. "I first made this call over ten years ago to introduce compulsory service," he said, adding that compulsory service in Israel made the younger generations more loyal and dedicated to their nation, and as a result, more successful.

He also urged public and private organisations to allow young people to work during their summer holidays, as this enhanced their confidence and sense of responsibility.

"Caring for juveniles is a process that shapes a nation's future and creates a healthy society," Lt Gen Dahi said. "The Association will work this year to help mothers and give them all kinds of support that help them shoulder their responsibility, in line with the call by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to honour mothers," he said.

"This call embodies the genuine qualities and noble values of UAE society, which our leaders are keen to preserve," he added.