Dubai: Residents still believe safes provide a sense of security at home despite the recent thefts of safes in the country.
Last week Dubai Police busted two international gangs, which came to the country solely to burgle houses.
The two gangs would break into houses through windows and then take the safe, crack it open and steal its contents. In total the gangs stole around Dh15 million worth of jewellery and watches.
However, despite such robberies, residents like Palestinian Zaina Al Khatib still believe that safes are the best and most affordable option for keeping valuables safe.
“I recently got married and was given many items of jewellery by family members so I bought a safe to store all my jewellery. The safe gave me peace of mind because I have just moved to a new house and I had many deliverymen, painters, maids and other strangers enter my house,” said Zaina.
Zaina bought her 55kg fireproof safe from Dragon Mart for Dh700.
“Obviously, having a safe deposit locker in the bank would be a safer option but it is too expensive and less convenient. It would mean that I have to make a trip to the bank each time I want to wear an item,” she said.
A report published by Gulf News earlier revealed that there is a lack of access to safe deposit bank lockers in the country, revealing that there are many policies that make it difficult for residents to qualify for the locker as well as long waiting lists that can last up to five years.
According to the report, one of the most popular banks in the UAE provides lockers to priority and private banking customers who would need to maintain a minimum relationship of Dh1 million.
Another prominent bank said in the report published earlier that “due to limited availability, [they] are aiming this service at high net income individuals who can maintain a minimum of Dh500,000 relationship”.
Jordanian Irtifaa Jameel also opted for a safe because it is a more convenient option.
“To be honest the only reason I have a safe is because I have a maid who I fear would be tempted to steal my jewellery. I don’t think she would be able to crack or move the safe because it is heavy.” When it comes to robbers, Irtifaa said she believes the cameras across her building and stringent security system in her building will be able to prevent any robbery.
Lebanese Ayah Mohammad, on the other hand, believes that having a safe is better than nothing.
“I understand that it can be carried even if it is heavy or it can be cracked open but at least it makes it harder and less tempting for whoever wants to steal,” she said.
Residents living in villas who are leaving for vacation can register their homes with Dubai Police Home Security. As part of the service, the police will patrol the area of the registered houses to ensure their safety.
