Sharjah Police launch bicycle patrols to enhance security in the emirate

Sharjah : Sharjah Police have launched bicycle patrols to cut response times. The patrols, introduced on Friday, will cover tourist areas, residential neighbourhoods and commercial centres in Sharjah.

Brigadier Saif  Ziri Al Shamsi, Sharjah Police commander-in-chief, said  bicycle patrolling aims at enhancing speedy response and to ensure security and stability in the community.

Officers on bicycle can often reach accidents and crime scenes faster than their colleagues in cars due to traffic, according to Brig. Al Shamisi. They will provide the same service and assistance police patrol cars offer.

Each patrol consists of one officer on bicycle, which is fitted with emergency lights as well as equipped with tools for communication with the police operation room.

Officers will wear special police uniforms and they are highly trained and well-equipped, Brig. Al Shamisi said.

Sharjah Police are keen on providing the best field practices and services to enhance security, safety and peace in the emirate, Brig. Al Shamisi said.

He said the bicycle patrols would enhance presence of the police in the field and curb crime rates.

Brigadier Al Shamisi told Gulf News earlier during an exclusive interview  that Sharjah Police have drawn up a plan for early crime prevention, including an intense awareness campaign to spread the culture of respecting the law. Also, patrolling has been intensified on roads and in crime-prone areas.

The crime prevention programme has involved business owners, owners of residential buildings and residents. The implementation of the programme comes as part of the directives by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who wants the police to do their utmost to prevent crimes.

The objective is to ensure the safety of society.

Sharjah Police have deployed 22 security, 12 police and 10 CID patrols in unmarked vehicles to ensure safety and security of residents.

A security culture programme for students has been adopted to tackle bad behaviour in schools such as absenteeism, smoking, bullying, and violence. Moreover, we are increasing the number of surveillance cameras in the emirate.

As a result of all these steps, the crime rate has decreased by  27  per cent in the first  half of this year compared with the corresponding period last year.