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National Service deters youth from crime

Abu Dhabi - The officials said the most significant change was the decrease in the number of fights among youths aged between 18 and 30, which usually led to death and disability.

There is a sharp fall in crimes committed by young Emiratis in the past three years thanks to the mandatory National Service programme.
A report prepared by the Abu Dhabi Public Prosecutors has found that obliging the Emirati youth to do the National Service after high school - before joining the university - has led to a 75 per cent fall in crimes in the last three years. 
Following the report, the authorities have praised the National Service programme for instilling discipline and respect among Emirati youngsters.
Judicial officials said they have noticed the change among the Emirati youth. "Introducing the National Service programme helped a lot in disciplining the teenagers. Besides training military skills to our youths, the programme helps in instilling discipline and good morals in the minds of young people, which help to reduce crimes and violence in the society."
The officials said the most significant change was the decrease in the number of fights among youths aged between 18 and 30, which usually led to death and disability.
According to the report, 61 cases were reported in the past three years, down from 274 in the three years, a decrease of 78 per cent before National Service was introduced. Cases involving vandalism also dropped by 25.2 per cent from 694 to 519 during the same period. The prosecutors' figures also showed a 53 per cent drop in court cases relating to bounced or bad cheques, from 3,369 to 1,587 cases.
Recruits speak
Some of the recruits told Abu Dhabi Judicial authorities on how the National Service have given them moral values in addition to shaping them into law abiding citizens.
Abdullah Al Mansouri, who joined the second batch of National Service said: "The training has positively shaped my personality. I have learned to be self-reliant, responsible, patient, hardworking and solving problems. The National Service programme has a positive impact on all members of the society as it instills noble values among the recruits which promote patriotism among young people and the love for serving their nation."
Rashid Khalifa Al Darmaki said his time at the National Service was a major turning point in his life:. "As an individual, I have learned how to abide by laws and this is a great thing. The programme enhances the capabilities of the UAE youth and helps them gain skills through a comprehensive and sophisticated training system that ensures compliance and discipline."
ismail@khaleejtimes.com