Legal experts and sociologists have voiced concern over the alarming rise in the number of thefts and pick-pocketing in various cities in the Kingdom. They have also called for urgent steps to the safety of citizens and residents.
It is common for criminals to lease residential apartments from where they direct their illegal activities. Local residents only learn of their presence when police raids take place.
Because of this many people are calling for the formation of small units of special security forces to police individual districts. Those in support say the initiative would create jobs for Saudis, especially for those who graduate from educational institutions each year, and bring down the rate of crime among the unemployed.
Advocates of the idea say these small units should be entrusted with monitoring law and order in each district.
“In the first phase, they should assume the direct responsibility of monitoring all those coming in and going out of a district. In the second phase, their monitoring should be expanded to commercial centers and industrial zones inside cities,” said Muhammad Abdullah, a resident of south Jeddah.
Each unit should also have a list of all residents within their jurisdiction and keep tab on people’s movements.
“They could collect information about new residents from real estate offices and other sources. They should also have an understanding of the places where laborers gather within their jurisdiction,” he added.
Supporters also say the units should be entrusted with inspecting selected homes if they notice suspicious behavior.
“They should work together with the police to arrest any local residents thought to be involved in crimes. They can also notify the concerned authorities about any types of violations, including reckless driving, that take place in their locality,” said Muhammad Al-Ghamdi, a resident of Ghulail district of Jeddah.
“Having such a unit would be useful in closely monitoring people’s movement within a district such as the going and coming of residents as well as students,” he said.
“These units should not be entrusted with discharging any other responsibilities, including investigating crimes,” said Waleed Abdul Rahman.
“They should report to the nearby local police station and other legal organizations such as the Prosecution and Investigation Commission,” he added.