Dubai: Plainclothes security men have been put on surveillance duty at the Indian consulate to guard against pickpockets.
The step comes after visitors to the consulate reported pickpockets were active.
The incidents have prompted the consulate to upgrade its current CCTV system which does not have a digital recording facility.
The plainclothes men are advised to check on anyone loitering in the premises, seemingly without a purpose.
"There have been a couple of cases of pickpockets that have been brought to our notice. We make sure the individual registers an official complaint with the police. The consulate is getting an estimated 20 to 24 new cameras, these will be installed in areas such as the counters, the enquiry department and the emergency certificates section where relatively large numbers of people are expected," said B.S. Mubarak, labour consul.
Mubarak said the consulate was witnessing a surge in visitors due to the holiday season.
"Visitors are also instructed to take care of their belongings by the security men at the consulate gates," added Mubarak.
Indian expatriates who spoke to Gulf News regarding incidents of pickpockets at the consulate said the crowds that usually gathered at the consulate gates in the afternoon served as a good opportunity for pickpockets.
"People should be asked to fall in line instead of just creating pandemonium. Women are even subjected to men making remarks about them. I have made the security men at the consulate aware of it but so far nothing has been done," said Nalini Dasgupta a Dubai-based resident.
Echoing similar sentiments Sardar Trilok Singh a businessman who visited the consulate said, "The crowd at the consulate especially during the morning is large and it is about time the authorities recruited more security guards at the premises. I have heard of the pickpocket incidents and have been cautious since."
Mohanish Srivastava, a Dubai-based accountant, said a proper queuing system should be imposed at various counters to ensure against pickpockets.
"I am sure that pickpockets are at work in the counter area as people do not appear to use the queuing system. Despite seating being made available you often come across more than one person at the counters," he said.
In demand
2,500 visitors a day
On any given day about 2,500 people visit the consulate, of which an estimated 700 are passport applicants.
Another 600 come for attestation purposes while the remaining approach the mission for miscellaneous services.
