Dubai: A Dubai Police programme offering security services for homes during summer vacation has seen a 35 per cent jump in registration this year, an official said on Wednesday.
After the huge success of the home security programme launched in 2004, the police launched a smart service in cooperation with du and the Transguard group to install cameras and sensors in villas early this year.
“Our aim is to make Dubai safer using smart services. The home security programme is easy to apply through our website or Dubai Police application on smart phones. We want to crack down on villa robberies,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Rashid Bin Dhabwi Al Falasi, director of the Crime Control Section at the Criminal Investigation Department and director of Home Security Programme.
The police did not reveal the number of people who have registered in the programme but said that more people are showing interest.
“The number of houses registered under the programme increased by 35 per cent this year compared to 2017. Our aim is to reach 50 per cent by the end of the year. Even if people forget to register before their travel time, they can finish registration at the airport before leaving the country,” he added.
Under this free programme, residents can download the Dubai Police smart app to sign up for the home security service and enter details like home location and the time of travel so that the police can send patrols to check on their homes. Additionally, residents can also choose the services of either du or Transguard to install cameras to secure their homes. The two companies are linked to the police command room for speedy response to any alert.
“We have installed signboards in Mirdif saying these cameras are secured by the programme so thieves will think twice before approaching a house that has been thus secured,” Lt-Col Al Falasi added.
As the app allows residents to pinpoint their home location, Dubai Police patrols are kept aware that the home is empty and keep a watch for any suspicious activities.
Dubai Police said the privacy of the camera recordings is ensured and nobody can have access to them unless the owner preapproves it.
