Dubai Police has launched a campaign warning the public against car thefts. The crime has dropped by 58% compared to last year where 133 cars were stolen due to owners leaving their cars unattended and failing to report on time.
Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), revealed that some of the stolen cars were smuggled to Oman, but the majority were recovered with the coordination between the UAE and Oman. He urged car owners not to leave the cars unattended with the engine on and keys inside, adding that the thieves target idle cars at petrol stations or in front of shops, where the car owners step out for a quick errand.
Bank customers are also urged to be watchful of their surroundings as thieves monitor and track people who withdraw money or carry valuables and goods. Residents are advised to inform the police about any suspicious people in banks or ATM machines.