“The number of burglaries in Jeddah has been decreasing noticeably due to citizens taking proper security precautions,” said First Lt. Nawaf Al-Bouq, spokesman for Jeddah police. “We believe that people are being more cautious and careful when it comes to securing their vacant homes.”
People who are spending summer vacations abroad should be extra careful, according to Al-Bouq. “I recommend them to install surveillance cameras indoors and outdoors and also leave a small light on so burglars think someone is inside the house,” he said. “New technology offers a huge number of security tools, and, thanks to China, those tools come cheap. Big villas should have home security systems connected to the local police department to level up the protection of their homes.”
Al-Bouq said most thieves are people who know the houses they aim to steal from.
“Those burglars are always frightened. They would never step into a house that they don’t have enough information about,” he said. “People should be cautious of their maids and drivers, for most burglaries happen with the help of people living inside the house. People should also not hire illegal domestic workers for they are more likely to be involved with criminal gangs.”
