* Titled 'Various Crimes and Ways of Prevention from them', the event was held in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation Department CID and attended by representatives from various public/private entities and expatriate communities
A webinar, organised by the Ministry of Interior's (MoI) Public Relations Department yesterday, highlighted the importance of maintaining a ‘sense of security’ to safeguard valuables, properties, and workplaces from theft and other crimes. Titled 'Various Crimes and Ways of Prevention from them', the virtual event was held in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of General Directorate of Criminal Investigation, and attended by representatives from various public and private companies, schools, and expatriate communities, among others.
Speaking at the webinar, Lt Fahad Jassim al-Mansouri, officer, Technical Office of Criminal Investigation Department of General Directorate of Criminal Investigation, said money and valuables should be kept away from “the eyes of the weak-minded people” to heighten one’s security and serves as a protection from theft.
“Security is a joint responsibility,” he said, citing the functions and services of the CID and giving a number of tips on how to secure vehicles, residential complexes, and offices from theft. He also shared some precautionary measures while withdrawing funds from banks or automated teller machines, stressing that using electronic alternatives such as bank transfers or money exchanges remains to be a safer option.
However, in case it is necessary to withdraw cash, al-Mansouri recommends not to leave the withdrawn money or any valuables such as jewellery in the vehicle when parked elsewhere unattended. “For the safety of the amount withdrawn from the bank, after fund withdrawal, we urge to head directly to the company’s headquarters or the specified location to utilise the money, without stopping on the way to finish any other tasks,” he pointed out.
Besides ensuring the doors and windows of cars are closed/locked, he urged drivers to switch off vehicles when leaving even for a short period. Such practice of keeping the car switched on but unattended is extremely dangerous and “invites theft”.
Meanwhile, installing alarms and CCTVs at home, company headquarters, and residential complexes also help keep these premises secured, according to al-Mansouri. At work, he advised residents to “be vigilant to the suspicious and unjustified behaviour of workers.”
He also stressed the importance of adhering to the residency and labour laws in the country, saying “as the head of the family or owner of the company is urged to ensure that the person whom you employ is a legal resident in Qatar and not a runaway worker or those who are residing in the country against the employment contract that they have signed.”
Al-Mansouri reminded residents to carry their QID at all times particularly when going to public places but should avoid handling it to anyone for completing any transaction “in order to avoid its misuse except for an emergency.” Residents can verify the misuse of their QIDs via the Ooredoo and Vodafone apps.
About photography and filming, he noted that taking pictures in public places is acceptable but should avoid taking pictures of women and men without their permission. “The Qatari law prohibits filming the government buildings and locations, military, diplomatic and sensitive organisations and those premises with a notice prohibiting photography. Commercial filming of public places requires permission from the authorities concerned,” al-Mansouri said.
About the proper procedures, if ever a person was robbed or witnesses something suspicious, he said such an incident should be reported immediately to the police on 999. The person should “give the correct information to the police about the location of the incident (house number, street name, and zone number.”
For those who found lost items like mobile phones, money, and jewellery, al-Mansouri said they should hand it over to its owner or to the nearest police station within seven days. Otherwise, the person shall be sentenced with imprisonment for not more than six months with a fine of not more than QR3,000. He also discussed related topics such as imposing penalties on destroying the properties of others, assault, fraudsters and swindlers, and ‘using alcohol’.
In submitting criminal complaints, al-Mansouri advised residents to download and use Metrash 2 app since it lessens the time for receiving the complaints, in addition to simplifying the procedures.
Speaking at the webinar, Lt Fahad Jassim al-Mansouri, officer, Technical Office of Criminal Investigation Department of General Directorate of Criminal Investigation, said money and valuables should be kept away from “the eyes of the weak-minded people” to heighten one’s security and serves as a protection from theft.
“Security is a joint responsibility,” he said, citing the functions and services of the CID and giving a number of tips on how to secure vehicles, residential complexes, and offices from theft. He also shared some precautionary measures while withdrawing funds from banks or automated teller machines, stressing that using electronic alternatives such as bank transfers or money exchanges remains to be a safer option.
However, in case it is necessary to withdraw cash, al-Mansouri recommends not to leave the withdrawn money or any valuables such as jewellery in the vehicle when parked elsewhere unattended. “For the safety of the amount withdrawn from the bank, after fund withdrawal, we urge to head directly to the company’s headquarters or the specified location to utilise the money, without stopping on the way to finish any other tasks,” he pointed out.
Besides ensuring the doors and windows of cars are closed/locked, he urged drivers to switch off vehicles when leaving even for a short period. Such practice of keeping the car switched on but unattended is extremely dangerous and “invites theft”.
Meanwhile, installing alarms and CCTVs at home, company headquarters, and residential complexes also help keep these premises secured, according to al-Mansouri. At work, he advised residents to “be vigilant to the suspicious and unjustified behaviour of workers.”
He also stressed the importance of adhering to the residency and labour laws in the country, saying “as the head of the family or owner of the company is urged to ensure that the person whom you employ is a legal resident in Qatar and not a runaway worker or those who are residing in the country against the employment contract that they have signed.”
Al-Mansouri reminded residents to carry their QID at all times particularly when going to public places but should avoid handling it to anyone for completing any transaction “in order to avoid its misuse except for an emergency.” Residents can verify the misuse of their QIDs via the Ooredoo and Vodafone apps.
About photography and filming, he noted that taking pictures in public places is acceptable but should avoid taking pictures of women and men without their permission. “The Qatari law prohibits filming the government buildings and locations, military, diplomatic and sensitive organisations and those premises with a notice prohibiting photography. Commercial filming of public places requires permission from the authorities concerned,” al-Mansouri said.
About the proper procedures, if ever a person was robbed or witnesses something suspicious, he said such an incident should be reported immediately to the police on 999. The person should “give the correct information to the police about the location of the incident (house number, street name, and zone number.”
For those who found lost items like mobile phones, money, and jewellery, al-Mansouri said they should hand it over to its owner or to the nearest police station within seven days. Otherwise, the person shall be sentenced with imprisonment for not more than six months with a fine of not more than QR3,000. He also discussed related topics such as imposing penalties on destroying the properties of others, assault, fraudsters and swindlers, and ‘using alcohol’.
In submitting criminal complaints, al-Mansouri advised residents to download and use Metrash 2 app since it lessens the time for receiving the complaints, in addition to simplifying the procedures.
