Police in Dubai are using data analysis and surveillance to tackle crime in the densely populated Naif area of Deira.
Naif Police Station dealt with 44 serious cases, including drug offences, armed robberies, assault and murder, in the first half of this year.
It marked a decrease of 19 per cent from the 54 cases reported during the same period in 2020.
“Programmes like smart data analysis, increased surveillance, quick response times and providing specialised patrols helped bring the number of serious crimes down, said Brig Tariq Tehlak, director of the Naif Police Station.
“Raising awareness among all members of the community has also proved successful and resulted in crimes being reported faster.”
Police are on patrol around the clock in different areas, especially tourist attractions and markets.
“Missions are also being completed within five minutes, down from six minutes,” Brig Tehlak said.
He urged the public to report any suspicious behaviour by calling on 901 or 999.
How does data analysis work?
Data analysis helps police to better understand crime patterns, give accurate estimates of past crimes and know the kinds of suspects they should monitor.
Research by the force's Criminal Data Analysis Centre was used to predict the behaviour of criminals and raise public awareness.
Most thieves operate in pairs or groups of three and choose older people as targets.
The research found that three main methods were used by offenders:
1. Spitting or spraying a liquid on victims and obstructing their way
2. Pretending to offer help
3. Cutting people's pockets to steal items such as phones and wallets
Dubai's bustling Naif area - in pictures
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On April 26, it will be one year since the Covid-19 lockdown in Naif, one of Dubai's oldest districts, was lifted. 'The National' visited the neighbourhood to see how residents and businesses are faring. All photos by Pawan Singh / The National -
Residents were under strict stay-home orders from March 31 until April 26 of last year to control the spread of Covid-19. Authorities carried out mass testing and a sanitisation operation in the area -
Shop owners said their businesses would pick up once more tourists start visiting the area. Naif is one of the oldest commercial districts of Dubai and used to be packed with tourists before the pandemic -
Now, the streets mostly consist of local residents -
Fawaz Bello, from Nigeria, was one of the thousands of people affected by the lockdown last year. He lives and works in the area and said life is slowly returning to normal for him -
Businesses that have been operating for a long time in Naif are fairing well through a loyal local customer base. The Khan Shoes Repairing and Polishing store has been in the area since 1971. Amanullah Khan, pictured, said they are managing to keep their business afloat through long-time local customers who support them -
However, newer businesses in the area are waiting for a tourist influx to increase sales. Moidu Parlat bought his shop four months ago and is trying hard to make ends meet, as business is slow -
Across the road from streets packed with hundreds of shops, there is a waterway in Naif where large dhow and small abra owners operate their businesses. Owners of dhows are attracting customers with attractive deals on dinner cruises -
Another large dhow in Naif -
Small boat owners, however, are still trying to get back on their feet. Mohammed Akram is seen here waiting for customers who would want to use his boat for a sightseeing trip
