Police in Dubai are stepping up their fight against cyber crime after launching a new mobile application to make it easier to report offences. Members of the public who have fallen victim to online attacks – including hacking and identity theft – can now ask for help through the app. The force said reports about crimes and requests to recover hijacked social media accounts can be made in a few minutes without the need to make a phone call or visit a police station. Dubai Police launched its e-crime website in May 2018. Since then, the website has dealt with more than 14,000 complaints. Brig Jamal Al Jallaf, director of criminal investigations at Dubai Police, said the app, which was developed to speed up reporting procedures, will build on the success of the e-crime division. He said the crime-fighting initiative had been well received as the privacy of those making complaints had been protected. Brig Khalid Nasser Al Razooqi, director of the force's artificial intelligence department, said the app was available on Apple's App Store and the Google Play Stores. “The service is provided in seven languages and allows people to fill in the details, then submit their complaint in three steps instead of seven previously,” he said. The app features a virtual assistant – called Amna – to help users navigate its various options.
