Wary of thefts during amnesty, Sharjah cops step up patrols 

Sharjah - The patrols in residential and commercial areas have been stepped up.

The Sharjah cops will be on their toes during the amnesty period to prevent thefts which they believe are going to rise as many shady and illegal residents might indulge in crimes to make some quick bucks before departing to their countries.    
The patrols in residential and commercial areas have been stepped up and the checking has been intensified. 
 The police are wary of a spurt in thefts as amnesty-seekers - mostly with a criminal streak - could be desperate to lay their hands on anything that they can to take back home, pointed out a top Sharjah Police official.  
A police plan is in place to curtail crimes during the three-month amnesty period. The plan includes deployment and boosting of patrols in theft-prone zones.
The CCTV cameras installed by the police across the city will help detect crimes and thefts, with vigilant officers in the operations room ready to respond to an alarm system connected to commercial outlets. The preventive measure is part of the project 'Sharjah is a Safe City'.
The patrols will focus on commercial areas such as Gold Souque and Gold Center as well as other vulnerable places to check thefts, especially pickpocketing and bag-snatching.
After the amnesty period ends, the police - in coordination with departments concerned - will intensify inspection and crackdown on companies hiring illegals or jobless people hiding in industrial and residential areas in Sharjah. The police will take stern action against those who are overstaying or residing illegally in the country, he warned.
The amnesty period - which started on August 1 and will continue till October 31 - is a golden chance for illegals to rectify their residency status or exit the country without paying any fines. Those who come forward during this period will not face legal consequences.