Sharjah Police launch campaign to drive down car crime

Sharjah: To curb the rising number of vehicles being stolen Sharjah Police on Monday launched a campaign aiming at preventing motorists from becoming victims of car theft.

Held under the slogan, ‘Don't be a partner in your car robbery', Colonel Rashid Mohammad Bayat, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Sharjah Police said the growing number of cars stolen recently had prompted the police to launch the awareness campaign.

"We found out that a number of motorists had made reckless mistakes that encouraged robbers to target them. Many of the previous victims had their car engines switched on while they were away, and it is important for motorists to take all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their cars and that they are locked properly," said Colonel Bayat.

Safety of society

"Car theft is a serious crime as it jeopardises the safety of society, and such cars are often used to carry out other crimes such as bootlegging, drug smuggling and other serious crimes," he said.

The campaign will educate motorists on the importance of locking their cars properly, and the fact they should never leave their cars even for a few seconds. Car doors and windows must be shut properly.

Motorists should avoid parking their cars in deserted and unlit areas and they should install an alarm.

Police urge the public to contact the Najeed service if they witness any suspicious activity and they should call the police on 06-562 3322 to report a car theft or on 999.