UAE cops ask residents to secure their homes before flying out

Sharjah - The initiative also strengthens neighbour's role in keeping a watch on the premises.

The Sharjah Police have urged residents to register in 'Makani' app to secure their homes before travelling abroad.
It is a security initiative launched by the police to curb thefts in houses when the owners are away during summer. The initiative also strengthens neighbour's role in keeping a watch on the premises.
Brigadier Mohamed Rashid Bayat, director of the police operations in Sharjah, said the initiative puts stress on the importance of neighbour's role in ensuring safety of the entire premises. The neighbour should report any suspicious activity, which could be a burglary bid, he pointed out.
Brigadier Bayat said that police are currently giving priority to the safety of residential homes because robbers target them when they know the occupants are away.
"We are offering our security service to residents of villas who request us to secure their homes while they are outside the country and it's free of charge. People interested in availing this service should log into the police website www.shjpolice.gov.ae or through the customer service of the Sharjah Police centers or send a fax to 06-5487700 or call 0527007999."
He added that security patrols have been deployed in residential areas 24x7 so that these neighbourhoods don't become soft targets for the burglars.
The police officials have called on people going on holidays to make sure they do not leave servants at home or let them get a wind of the valuables kept inside.
An official cautioned that residents travelling overseas for long periods should not risk keeping precious items in their apartments, which could be stolen during their absence. He said the vacation could turn sour for many after they find out what they have lost.
Colonel Arif Hassan Bin Hodeib, director of Media and Public Relations Department of Sharjah Police, said: "The launch of the security initiative is part of Sharjah Police's efforts to raise safety awareness among public in the emirate. "It also aims at providing security and protection to houses of residents during their travel or absence," he added.
Col Arif added that the awareness programmes being carried out as part of the initiative focus on educating the public about the necessity of securing their homes during their long absence, not to leave precious valuables of money and jewellery inside the houses while travelling, as well as alerting homeowners to take measures to prevent thefts.
He underlined that the initiative also aims to involve community members in protecting the homes of their neighbours while they are away. It also helps to spread the culture of neighbour rights among residents of residential premises.
Tips to protect your home
>Shut windows of the house properly
>Avoid leaving keys at places that can be accessed easily
>Don't leave precious items at home
>Install CCTV cameras linked to mobile phone devices
Register before you leave:
>Log on to Sharjah Police website www.shjpolice.gov.ae
>Call the customer service of Sharjah Police
>Send a fax to 06-5487700
>Call the home safety dedicated number: 052-7007999
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Sharjah