"The authorities need to obtain enough information from the person who comes forward to report a crime. This procedure should not be considered as `interrogation' or `chasing'. On the contrary, the person who volunteers such information will be provided with protection and rewarded for his cooperation," Major-General Khalifa Hareb Al Khiaili, Assistant Under-Secretary for Administrative and Planning Affairs, told a Press conference to announce a nationwide anti-crime campaign to be launched by the ministry next week.

"Is saving someone's life by reporting a crime, or preventing an incidence that might endanger the society a problem? Is dedicating an hour of your time too much to provide such valuable service to society and your own security," asked Maj-Gen Khiaili, who is also Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for National Security Awareness Campaign.

The weeklong campaign will kick-off on April 3.

Maj-Gen Khiaili further said those tipping off the police on a crime would be protected and honoured for their contribution to crime prevention. He advised all residents, including expatriates, to extend their co-operation and support to the security agencies of the country in order to help the government combat crime for the national and public security.

He added it was the duty of every individual to contribute to their and others protection and people should not hesitate to report when they see or hear about a crime taking place.

He also revealed that family members of a person involved in a crime will be provided all protection, will not be involved in legal implications and will not be deported for a crime they have not committed.

"Family members of a person involved in a crime will be provided with full legal protection under the directives the President, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His Highness's directives is that family members of a person involved in a criminal activity will not be punished or deported as long as they are not involved. They will not be deported or dragged into a legal implication. The criminal, as per the law, will be punished and deported, but his or her next of kin can continue their lives here provided they have the legal status," he noted.

Urging all segments of the society and of all age groups and all nationalities to put their hands together and join official efforts to help prevent crime, the official said the committee had chosen the theme: "Security is Everyone's Responsibility" to ensure that everybody's effort matters and the need to involve community members in prevention efforts.

"This theme underlines the importance of joint cooperation and involvement of community members and security men to ensure public security. It reflects that crime prevention is not the responsibility of the authorities only. But all social segments and institutions as well as Individuals could play a pivotal and significant role in boosting security and stability in the country through effective cooperation and coordination with the policemen," Maj-Gen Khiaili said.

The anti-crime campaign

ABU DHABI - According to Maj-Gen Khiaili the anti-crime campaign will include debates, conference, official statements in the media, sports activities, distribution of literature on security and lectures.

It will also feature TV programmes and fillers on several channels, live shows addressing crime-related topics, and round-the-clock radio educational programmes. It will also include distribution of brochures, posters, advertisements, and features in local papers. A booklet will be distributed to school children.

The drive will also be staged via the Internet and multimedia systems. A CD containing educational and recreational material will be distributed. A special website for the campaign will be launched. SMS messages and e-mails will be sent to the largest possible number of subscribers.

There will also be open public interactive educational corners in all the emirates where contests will be organised and prizes will be given out to winners. Other venues where the campaign will be staged include mosques where Friday sermons will include messages urging crime prevention.