Ras Al Khaimah eyes ‘crime-free’ tag by 2021

It is mandatory for buildings to put a sticker outside their premises that they are covered by CCTV cameras so that criminals think twice before breaking the law.” Brig Jamal Ahmad Al Tair, director-general, public resources authority, RAK Police

RAS AL KHAIMAH — In a bid to set the emirate crime-free by 2021, the Ras Al Khaimah Police have surged the number of CCTV cameras to 131,000.

Brigadier Jamal Ahmad Al Tair, director-general of the public resources authority, RAK Police, said these sophisticated cameras are part of the ‘Hemaya’ (Protection) project. “These entities include a big number of centres, shops, establishments, government departments, public institutions, mosques, hospitals, schools, hotels, rest houses, jewellery shops, villas, as well as residential towers and buildings.

Brig Al Tair, who is also deputy head of the committee running the Hemaya project, added that the surveillance cameras have significantly helped decrease rates of crimes in the emirate. “It is mandatory for buildings to put a sticker outside their premises that they are covered by CCTV cameras so that criminals think twice before breaking the law. Criminals know that cameras are connected to the operations room and that they will be caught.”

The Hemaya programme, instructed by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, is enforceable on all entities, be they public or private. “It is aimed to turn crime level into zero across the emirate by 2021.”

The Hemaya system, spanning identification of faces and number plates, is connected with the radar and geographic information systems, visual early warning connectivity,andcaridentificationsystems, he elaborated. “We have managed to arrest so many criminals, suspects and violators, and curb down crimes in a significant way with the help of these cameras.”