Coronavirus impact: No crimes reported for two months in Dubai

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Coronavirus impact, crimes, reported, two months, Dubai

Dubai - On the other hand, the e-crimes and reports of cyber-crimes have remained at the same level in this time frame.

By Hesham Salah


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Published: Tue 31 Mar 2020, 3:00 PM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2020, 2:24 AM

Sweet are the uses of adversity, and if there is a silver lining to this Covid-19 cloud it is that not a single major crime has occurred or been reported in Dubai these past two months.
According to Major General Expert Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs, there have been no thefts, robberies or acts of violence including murders.
Speaking to KT, Al Mansouri explained that when faced with a crisis people tend to give priority to their safety and that of their loved ones and family. He added that the main factor responsible for zero crime is an awareness in the community of the enormity of the problem and we are all in this together.
He explained that many crimes or robberies are committed in crowded areas, such as stealing money from victims or robbing a bank or a store. The social distancing has made this difficult even for the most seasoned crooks. Also, all crimes related to burglaries are committed when homes are empty but because people are staying in their houses, there is no opportunity.
Addtionally, Al Mansouri said that 99 per cent of the illegal drug market or smuggling crimes have disappeared, as the current situation and restricted movement and enhanced surveillance has hindered criminals from engaging in such acts.
On the other hand, the e-crimes and reports of cyber-crimes have remained at the same level in this time frame.
In September 2019, the Dubai Police launched their e-crime platform on the police app, which was available only on the website. The new platform made it much easier file a report about E-crimes in few steps.
Al Mansouri took this opportunity to send a message to the public asking citizens and expats to never violate the instructions of the National Sterilization programme. He also cautioned against spreading rumors or fake news or misusing social media, stressing that the police will locate the violators and take legal actions against them. Vigilance on anyone disrupting or interfering in government efforts to combat the crisis is 24/7 and given a top priority.
hesham@khaleejtimes.com


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