Car thefts were dropped by 58 per cent last year compared to the previous year in Dubai, according to a top official.

As many as 133 cars were stolen, most of them had been abandoned by owners, who failed to reporting the thefts on time.

Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), revealed that some of the stolen cars were smuggled to Oman, but the majority were recovered thanks to the coordination between police authorities in the UAE and Oman.

Major General Al Mansouri urged car owners not to leave the cars unattended with the engine on and keys inside, saying that the thieves target idle cars at petrol stations or in front of shops, where the car owners step out for a quick errand.

He added that the Dubai Police is keen to launch awareness campaigns warning the public against car thefts, and have introduced new programmes in the country to reduce car thefts and smuggling out of the country.

Maj Gen Al Mansouri urged all drivers to exercise caution while dealing with strangers, which would go a long way in helping reduce crime. He particularly stressed that bank customers be extremely watchful of their surroundings, as many thieves monitor and track people who withdraw money or carry valuables and goods with them.

He urged bank customers to leave the premises immediately after withdrawals and not to stop for any errands or purposes on the way, especially if they are carrying large amounts of money, and preferably drive away or take a taxi instead of walking, as this will hinder the thieves’ intentions.

He pointed out that thieves who target bank customers resort to innovative ways like throwing something on the victim’s car to distract them, or pretend to accidentally bump into the person before stealing their money.

He urged people to inform the police about any suspicious hangers on around banks or ATM machines, especially at night.