All about the Home Security Service by Dubai Police
Back in May 2003, Dubai Police launched one of its pioneering initiatives: a dedicated Home Security service to safeguard homes while their residents were away. This free service came to the rescue of residents who wanted to travel abroad without leaving their homes unattended for long periods of time. A preliminary version of this service was launched a year earlier, in May 2002. Dubai residents can now use the service via the Dubai Police Smart Home Security app.
The initiative was in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai who was then serving as the UAE Minister of Defence as well as the Head of Dubai Police and Public Security.
This helpful home security service demonstrates the ‘keenness of Dubai Police to fight crime and bolster relations with the public” said Lieutenant Colonel Adel Al Sharid on the launch of the service. Al Sharid was then serving as the Director of Preventative Security Division of the Criminal Investigation Department, which oversees home security.
HOME SECURITY BY DUBAI POLICE
The free home security service by Dubai Police was launched to address an important issue in the emirate, namely, one of potential thefts and burglaries during summers, when expats often travel for lengthy periods to their home countries.
Of course, the service is not restricted to summer, and you can use it any time of the year when you have to leave your Dubai home. Part of the home security service’s effort is also to educate homeowners on how to make their properties safer. Villa residents all over Dubai can avail of this service through the Dubai Police website. The service is available in both English and Arabic.
Since 2003, demand for this service has grown exponentially, although the exact number of people who have used the service is not available. We do know, for instance, that registration for home security increased by 35% between 2017 and 2018, which shows the success of the programme.
The police have also put up boards in areas like Mirdif that alert intruders with warnings about home surveillance.
Registering with the service is very convenient, and you can even sign up just before taking your flight out of the country by finishing registration at the airport. You can also register with the smart home security app while travelling out of Dubai.
ADVANCED HOME SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE
Since 2018, Dubai Police has joined hands with du and Transguard to augment the smart security app with the installation of cameras and other surveillance equipment in villas. Transguard is one of the best security companies in Dubai, and it is now onboard with Dubai Police to make homes safer.
Simply download the Dubai Police smart home security app sign up for the home security service and enter details like home location and time of travel. Dubai Police will then send patrols to check on your home regularly while you are away.
The smart home security app also allows you to pinpoint the location of your home so that Dubai Police patrols are aware that the home is vacant and that they should check for suspicious activity.
As already mentioned, you can also choose the services of du or Transguard to install cameras and sensors in your villa so the police can monitor your home from their command room.
Since 2017, nearly 1,300 home security cameras have been fitted in residential units. There has also been a 10% decline in home burglaries in the same time period, as per police reports.
Notable areas where Smart home security has been implemented include Oud Al Mateena, where more than 500 homes have been under surveillance as part of this program.
Du uses the most advanced devices, such as Apple home security cameras to augment smart home solutions in most villas. Customers can use Wi-Fi to operate the cameras. In addition, the customer will also have the option to monitor his home on the smartphone. Moreover, these cameras have built-in-built sensors that trigger the smart Wi-Fi alarm system if someone tries to break in.
For those who choose to install home security cameras in their homes, Dubai Police ensures full privacy, and nobody can access the footage without the homeowner’s permission.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SERVICE
You can register for home security directly from the Dubai Police website or smart home security app application. You can also make inquiries from the call centre (901).
Moreover, you can even fill applications in person by visiting your nearest Dubai Police office from 07:30 am to 02:30 pm from Sunday to Thursday.
WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR REGISTRATION?
You need to be a Dubai resident with valid ID and an active email address to register for the service.
WHAT ARE THE CHARGES FOR HOME SECURITY SERVICE?
You can use the Dubai Police home security service free of charge. However, you need to make a one-time payment of AED 1,000 (for the basic package) to install home security cameras.
Alternately, you can also install the Transguard security system in your villa for an initial payment of AED 649 and a monthly fee of AED 195 for one year. The system includes cameras, sensors and smoke detectors. You will also be trained on how to use these devices. In addition, Transguard also collects valuables like jewellery and cash from your home for safekeeping.
WHEN CAN I REGISTER FOR HOME SECURITY?
With the Dubai Police Smart App, you can even register for the service while travelling outside the country.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR HOME SECURITY?
Anyone who lives in a villa in Dubai can register for the service. This includes both villa owners and tenants.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
While Dubai Police is always alert to protect your home, they also expect that you follow basic safety protocol to minimise the chances of robberies. This includes things like:
- Locking all entrances to your home, including windows
- Locking wardrobes or safes where you keep your valuables
- Asking neighbours, friends or relatives to check your home periodically
- Hiding your keys from plain sight
- Depositing cash, jewellery and valuables in the bank.
To sum up, home security is one of the many smart services launched by Dubai Police to accomplish Dubai’s vision of a safe and stable city. You can also check out our guide on Smart Police Stations in Dubai and read about their services that make Dubai one of the safest cities in the world.
We have also compiled a list of emergency numbers in Dubai to help you deal with criminal activity and other related incidents in the city.
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