Abu Dhabi // Police are stepping up patrols and security checks during Eid and warning that unruly behaviour - including drinking alcohol in public - will not be tolerated. Lt Col Ahmed al Qamzi said officers would focus on tourist areas to offer guidance and solve problems, but would also co-ordinate with police centres throughout the emirate.
Brig Gen Umair al Muhairi, director of the capital's police, warned parents against allowing their children to play with fireworks during Eid, as they can cause serious injuries and fires. He also called on the public to report any shops selling fireworks, which are illegal. Capital police patrols will be increased at the Corniche, public parks and in shopping malls, Gen al Muhairi said. He also reminded people not to respond to beggars, who often are at petrol stations, residential areas, shopping malls and in front of mosques during Eid prayers. Police also will be on the lookout for beggars, he added.
Meanwhile, in Al Gharbia, police have launched the "Eid Without Accidents" awareness campaign. Col Hamad al Dhahiri, the director of Al Gharbia police section, said the campaign would focus on educating residents and motorists on the dangers of speeding and violating traffic laws during public holidays, when there is a sharp increase in the number of cars on the roads. The increased congestion means a greater chance of accidents, officials said.
The emergency and public safety department of Abu Dhabi Police is using the results of a study conducted last year during the same period - which sought to discover the causes of accidents around the holidays - to prepare for this year'scelebration. Col Othman al Tamami, director of the department, said emergency and rescue teams were ready for all types of accidents. He advised people to be careful with incense and take fire protection measures while preparing food.
Parents should ensure that their children play in safe areas, he added, and not allow them to play football in the streets or take their bicycles into busy thoroughfares. hdajani@thenational.ae
