By Fahad Al Ghadani — MUSCAT: Feb 19 - The Muscat Municipality is seriously considering tight security measures, including CCTV cameras and guards, at Muttrah Souq following incidents of several thefts in the premises. “There are shops worth millions of rials and owners are always calling for better security measures,” said Salim al Ghammari, a Muscat Municipal Council member. He said the owners are ready to even pay for the security measures, including cameras or for hiring guards. “The council is seriously considering the move.”
The municipality is currently working to ensure shops at the souq comply with guidelines on hygiene. “Our next move is security, especially in the jewellery shops areas,” said Al Ghammari.
Last year, a gang stole gold worth RO 1.4 million from a shop in the souq, according to the Royal Oman Police (ROP). It had used blowtorches to gain entry into the shop.
The shop, which had to remain shut for 27 days, suffered a loss to the tune of RO 1.2 million.
After the incident, many jewellery store owners considered installing CCTV cameras and hiring guards to protect their properties at night.
A jewellery shop owner told the Observer that he and other owners were planning to share the expense of installing security equipment in the area. “However, many small shop owners feel paying additional fees for security will cut into their profits,” he said.
These days, the shop owner keeps the external lights at his shop on during the night. “This will at least reduce chances of burglary in my shop.”
Recently, the ROP called on shops and office owners to install CCTV for safety purposes and sought help in investigations in the event of a theft.
Such cameras have been able to record several theft attempts and help the security agencies in cracking crimes.
A source at the ROP recently said that the police has been offering advice to those seeking safety licences, including fire and security permissions, for commercial establishments.
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