Dubai Customs Organizes Workshop Entitled "Stolen cars workshop"

Dubai Customs Organizes Workshop Entitled "Stolen cars workshop"

Dubai Customs recently organized a specialised workshop entitled “Stolen cars workshop”, the first of its kind in the UAE, in its continued efforts to increase control, and create awareness amongst inspectors and introduce them to the latest means of combating auto theft.

The workshop was attended by inspectors from various customs administrations in the UAE, as well as the Federal Customs Authority, other security authorities and related government departments. The opening address was delivered by Mr. Khalid Khammas, Executive Director, Customs Compliance Division, Dubai Customs, during which he stated that auto theft has become an international phenomenon, the solution to which requires considerable thought, particularly as auto theft is categorised as organized crime. He added that the importance of this workshop is to ring the alarm bells so that this threat to the security of both the state and society can be addressed. He concluded that the workshop will contribute to raising awareness and preparedness to reduce the occurrence of these crimes.

Khammas also called for the unification of efforts to implement existing legislation, information exchange, and for strengthening cooperation between departments and concerned authorities. He went on to appeal to legislators to enhance existing laws by making them more stringent in an effort to face the threat of auto theft and smuggling.

In his turn, Mr. Yousuf Ozair, Senior Manager, Intervention Management Department, presented a brief description of the role played by the Division of Vehicle and Transportation which was established in September 2007 within the Dubai Customs to address auto and vehicle theft locally and internationally.

Ozair stated that since the launch of this division to date, covering a period of six months, 86 stolen cars worth approximately Dhs.5.5million were seized during attempts to smuggle them into Dubai.

At a lecture given by the Interpol, Ali Al Khayal presented a detailed account of Interpol’s role in fighting global crime, and explained how concerned departments in other countries communicate and cooperate with the Interpol.

Al Khayal confirmed that auto theft crimes in the UAE have declined significantly due to effective theft combating operations by UAE customs authorities. He added that 2005 saw the screening of information of 6556 cars which led to the seizing of 460 cars, this figure declined in 2007 to only 16 seized cars after inspecting information of 3098 cars. Al Khayal commented that these figures indicate that organized crime has moved away from the Emirates as a result of their knowledge that they would face serious confrontation.

The workshop concluded with the following recommendations:

 Establishing an electronic link between Dubai Customs and other security agencies, particularly Dubai Police and Interpol, as well as the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority).
 Establishing a permanent workgroup to include all UAE government departments.
 The need for all shipping and auto companies in the UAE to participate and attend workshops and other related activities.
 Creating unified traffic linkage within the UAE.
 Preparations for etting-up an inquiry system covering other vehicles such as yachts, motorcycles and wooden ships.