AJMAN // The number of crimes reported in Ajman has dropped, despite the population growing by a third between 2012 and last year, police say.
Brig Sultan Al Nuaimi, commander of Ajman Police, said the emirate’s population grew to 330,000 from 250,000.
“Before two years we had 10,000 cases and in the end of 2014 we had 7,800,” Brig Al Nuaimi said.
“Seventy per cent of cases are financial because of cheques, loans or debt, and 30 per cent range between robberies, fights and other kinds of crimes.
“The number of crimes per 100,000 persons now is 16, despite the different nationalities and population in the emirate.”
He said thefts, stolen cars and financial offences such as bounced cheques were the most common crimes reported to them in Ajman.
Brig Al Nuaimi was speaking at a Ramadan community event held this week at the majlis of Abdullah Amin Al Sharfa, adviser to Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman. It was attended by dozens of Emiratis to discuss problems related to crime, the role of police and other issues.
Brig Al Nuaimi said that in 2011, the number of traffic fatalities was 40 for every 100,000 people. That is now 18.
Maj Raeed El Zaaby, director of the city centre’s police station, said officers were most commonly called to deal with cases of theft, most of which involved cars being stolen by people under the age of 18.
“The figure is not scary and we have the minimum because the police’s top priority is the fight against crime,” said Maj El Zaaby, who called on members of the public to help officers keep Ajman safe.
“The public’s cooperation with the police is necessary because it is impossible for the police to reduce crimes without it.”
Officers hold regular education programmes that include distributing leaflets and booklets written in Arabic, English, Urdu and Chinese, said Maj Saif Al Falasi, head of traffic police.
“There must be a community cooperation,” said Maj Al Falasi. “We inform people about their responsibility towards the nation and its security, so they have to inform about any behaviour.”
The emirate is not free of illegal drugs, although the number of cases is low, Lt Col Saif Al Muhairi, from the Drug Enforcement Administration, told the majlis.
“Police serve the victims in terms of rehabilitation after their release and try to integrate them with the community,” Lt Col Al Muhairi said.
“Eighty per cent of rehabilitation cases are simple and only need a follow-up and advice. The other 20 per cent are critical and need rehabilitation centres.”
roueiti@thenational.ae