Dubai police praise hi-tech security systems for drop in burglaries

Twenty per cent drop in emirate according to last year's burglary report

Police in Dubai hosted a Chinese delegation to discuss how the force has turned to technology to tackle crime. Silvia Razgova / The National

Police in Dubai did not receive a single burglary report in 2017 from properties where a home security system was in place.

The number of burglaries fell by a fifth in Dubai last year, and police believe that drop could be bigger if more people used technology to secure their homes.

Dubai residents have been urged to make use of home security services, particularly while away on holiday.

The number of households where home security was in place rose by 35 per cent last year.

Cameras with facial recognition software and high-tech devices have helped police solve hundreds of crimes.

Lt Col Rashid bin Dhabwi, director of Criminal Control at the Criminal Investigation department in Dubai Police, said: “Home burglaries have dropped by 20 per cent while none occurred in households and villas connected with home security systems.”

“The number of people who installed home security systems increased by 35 per cent among Dubai homes and villas,” he said.

Installing cameras and sensors at villas and homes will allow alerts to be sent to Dubai Police's operation room if there is a disturbance.

This allows the force to contact home owners and send a patrol to investigate..

Billboards have been placed in some areas, informing the public about home security systems.

When asked about those who might feel that their privacy is being breached after installing cameras or sensors, Lt Col bin Dhabwi said: “There are two types of home security systems, including informing police that they are away on vacation or installing surveillance cameras at homes. It’s their choice. Sensors detecting suspicious movements can be installed, as well.”

A campaign has been launched by police to educate the public about home security systems.

"Some people were questioned for their suspicious behaviour near a residential area. For instance, a man was questioned after entering a villa. A patrol was sent, questioned the man and found he was the gardener," said Lt Col bin Dhabwi.