Dubai Police recover stolen cash in 6 hours

‘TRUSTED’ FAMILY DRIVER MAKES OFF WITH MONEY FORGOTTEN IN CAR

Dubai Police recovered Dh2 million in cash stolen by a family driver within six hours thanks to prompt action by its Victim Communication Section.

An Arab woman shared her story with Gulf News, urging people not to leave behind money or valuable in cars. She detailed how Dubai Police acted swiftly and recovered her money.

The 31-year-old Moroccan woman, who has been living in Dubai for four years, said she hired the driver after the birth of her son, who is now five months old. The driver, an Indian expat, was “very polite” and had 24 years’ experience in Dubai, she said.

The woman added that she was recently launching a real estate business in Dubai and withdrew Dh4 million from her bank account. “All the week’s work had been done and I needed to pay the workers, so I constantly had money with me in the car,” she said.

‘I trusted him’

She frequently sent the driver to suppliers or other people to make payments. “I trusted him and he was a very good driver,” the woman said.

Last Thursday evening, the family sent the driver home. But they had forgotten to take the money out of the car.

The car was only a week old. The woman claimed that when the driver saw the money left in the vehicle, he caused a car accident, took the money and booked a plane ticket. From the Dh2 million, he grabbed Dh100,000 and left the rest with a friend. His plan was to slowly have all the money sent to India. The driver then took a flight out at 5.15am the next day.

Empty room

The next day, the woman woke up at around 11.30am and noticed that the driver had emptied out his room. She went to the security office of the gated community where she lives. They advised her to call the police. She then called 999.

“The police were very responsive,” she said. “A police patrol was sent to my home within 20 minutes to take my statement. After that, a series of police officers and CIDs arrived.”

A team from the Victim Communication Section also met the woman and got details of the incident. Dubai Police recovered the money, along with her bag, within six hours.

“The driver was the best. He was respectful and compassionate with my two kids. But still, a lot of money is tempting for some people. I want to thank Dubai Police for their great work,” the woman said.