Dubai Police denies reports of attempt to kidnap student

The Dubai Police have denied reports that there was an attempt to kidnap a student by two people as reported by the local media on Monday.
Colonel Abdulla Khadem bin Soroor, Director of the Bur Dubai police station, denied that the police was investigating the matter.
"One of students went missing and had left school with a friend so his father informed the authorities. The authorities found that the student had gone to his friend's home," he said.
He also asked people not to spread such false news as it could trigger panic among students and parents. "They should instead contact authorities concerned," he added.
Meanwhile, parents at GEM's Jumeirah College, Dubai have been warned to remain vigilant as an attempted abduction was reported near the school's campus on 19th street near Safa Park.
In the incident reported, two men allegedly attempted to coax a student into a passing car. When he refused, one of the men allegedly attempted to grab the student, who managed to flee safely.
In a statement, GEMS Education confirmed the incident took place, but declined to give any details. "An incident did occur on Monday. No children were harmed, but the matter has been reported to the relevant authorities," the spokesperson said. Staff members at the Jumeirah College noted that a message had been sent to parents following the incident.
When asked about safety precautions, staff members at several schools near Jumeirah College admitted to Khaleej Times that they were completely unaware of the incident.
Dubai College, on the other hand, confirmed that a message had been sent out to parents as soon as they heard the incident took place.
"We did send out an advisory to all parents as soon as we were made aware," said school bursar Kieran Dempsey. "We wanted to say that the incident happened and remind all parents and students to remain vigilant at all times, not just on their way to and from school."
"We don't think there's a significant security risk. Dubai is a safe place. But it's important to keep your wits about you."
Another school - Dubai Gem Private School in Oud Metha - advised parents to speak to their children about safety. "Parents are advised to be vigilant on dropping off and picking up their children," the school said in a message. "Please talk to your son/daughter about this incident and ask them to remain vigilant when travelling to and from school."
"Please also encourage your child to report any untoward incident to the school office and Dubai Police immediately," the message added.
Residents-speak
Many local residents expressed shock on social media regarding the incident.
"I always thought Dubai was safe. Better to be cautious," said one local Twitter user.
SnapSights, a Dubai-based child monitoring service, said that the attempted abduction reinforces the need to carefully watch over one's children.
"We need to be extra vigilant with our little ones after hearing this worrying news this morning," the company tweeted.
Despite people's concerns, instances of child abductions in Dubai are exceedingly rare.
In January 2014, parents with children at Jebel Ali Primary School were asked to speak to their children about "stranger danger" following reports of an attempted kidnapping inside Mall of the Emirates. Mall security officials, however, denied that any such incident took place.
bernd@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai