Aluminium S.
You are correct and many are from parts that are not a safe environment for a family with the bread winner away for the greater part of the month. But that is the appeal, at least that's what is being sold, that Dubai is a very safe environment in every respect (they never mention the roads). I was told you can leave your villa unlocked most of the time, along with your car etc. Even showed examples of "news" for small burglaries. So in some respects the company should be held accountable for what they are selling the uninitiated. Tell the truth.....or I should say, don't hide the truth.

They seem fond of the "low crime is not no crime" expression, in my experience. I have never been told, in fairness, that there is no crime here. I think one is at far more risk from the driving here than crime, and at less risk of crime here than in any EU or US town or city, but that doesn't mean you can leave houses or cars unlocked, a wallet or bag unattended and so on.

I have known several colleagues to be mugged in Europe, a few neighbours to be burgled and one, recently and in a very sleepy edge of a town, to be stabbed in a home break in. It is always shocking, and the perpetrators should be dealt with harshly. But it is a global phenomenon that is relatively rare here. I can't dispute anyone's wish to fit CCTV, but it didn't help in this case (the neighbours' cameras that caught the sodomists), and rarely works elsewhere. Door and window locks, and general awareness of what is happening around you (ie being followed or watched) is the best defense.

Like I said, the compound security procedures are pointless as they allow anyone in - we are pestered by tradesmen touting for business, so it is possible that we are also being cased by thieves or worse. The difference is that at home, few live in compounds with guards so don't have a false sense of security.

Attacker and accomplice arrested after being ID'd via line up and DNA.
Took a while but good job by the rozzers.

That's good to hear. What nationality ?

Great to hear!

There have been several other robberies in EK housing in the past few weeks, in Jumeirah, Marina and Al Safa - make sure your maid locks up.

In the local top quality free paper.

Emirates pilot stabbed by burglars in his Dubai home

Well done DXB police...

SyB :zzz:

fatbus

Attacker Iranian (possible links to organised crime in Pakistan), getaway driver....well, you've seen how fast people from a certain nationality drive here right? He was from there.....or should I say...here!

Apparently the Police did an excellent job and R's got nothing but praise for their involvement, support for him and his family and their total disgust at this type of rare but nonetheless worrying crime. They see this as a reflection on themselves so have done as much as possible to be personally involved at the highest level. Attempted murder is the charge.

Can't imagine the London Metropolitan Police Commisssioner inviting a stabbing victim into his office for tea, chocolates and a huge bouquet of flowers. They commended him on his bravery. In the UK they'd have arrested him for using excessive force and then he'd have got sued by the perpetrator no doubt.

Harry

Thanks for the update - good to hear some good news.