Lock your cars, close your windows. Your unlocked vehicle can attract thieves around you.
A man was arrested by Qatar’s Criminal Investigation Department for carrying out multiple thefts from cars in different parts of the country, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) announced on Sunday.
The suspect was arrested following several reports of missing items from cars. In response to people’s complaints, a specialised team was formed to conduct the investigation and search operation that led to the arrest.
Investigators concluded that the man carried out thefts in residential areas, specifically targeting unlocked cars. The items found in his possession included wallets and smartphones, which people would typically forget in their vehicles. The case has now been referred to the prosecution for further action.
In response to the crime, MOI called on the public to take the necessary preventive measures to secure their vehicles in order to avoid falling victim to wandering thieves.
“People are reminded to lock their vehicles properly, not to leave the belongings in a visible manner inside the car and to avoid parking vehicles in isolated areas. Please contact emergency service 999 to report any suspected cases,” said the ministry.
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According to Qatar’s 2019 Crime & Theft report, the country’s theft rate is well below the global average. Incidents of theft from motor vehicles do occur as crimes of opportunity, but are rare in residential areas or gated communities, such as compounds.
This year, Qatar ranked as the ‘safest country in the world’ according to the Numbeo Index, the largest-user contributed database that tracks cities and countries.
Qatar has been on the top of the global safety index since 2016, where it ranked as the seventh safest country and the first among Arab countries for six consecutive years.
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