Tight security at malls and shopping centers

DAMMAM: Malls and shopping centers around the country have tightened security to deal with a major influx of shoppers preparing for Eid Al-Fitr celebrations. There has been extra security staff deployed and more closed-circuit television cameras installed. There is also close coordination with the government’s security agencies, a local publication reported Friday. Basem Qattan, director of a commercial center in Madinah and Alkhobar, said the government and private companies have already sent out extra patrols. Additional cameras have now been installed at various departments, apart from the main entrances. Qattan said the security plan now operational is different from previous years, with personnel now having advanced communication to report any suspicious behavior. These arrangements have been made because of the tense security situation in the region, especially since Daesh have threatened on social media sites to launch further attacks. He said parents have been warned that they should not allow their minor children to roam around unsupervised. These youngsters would not be allowed to enter malls, to prevent any disruptive behavior that may disturb public peace. Abdulrahman Al-Dosari, security supervisor at a commercial center, said the plan takes into account current realities. Security has been tightened across the Eastern Province, he said. “A week ago, some women were involved in an argument, which almost escalated into a fist fight. The center was evacuated in less than five minutes because people were so afraid. We have also banned fireworks. Parents allowing their children to have them will be prosecuted,” Al-Dosari said. Several security agencies in the Eastern Province are involved in ensuring comprehensive security at all public places over the last 10 days of Ramadan. The plan has been devised in cooperation with the Civil Defense, and traffic and police departments to cover popular markets. The traffic plan includes the deployment of patrols to areas where heavy congestion is expected. The patrols include pedestrian and undercover officers in main streets in Dammam, Alkhobar, Dhahran, Al-Ahsa, Jubail and Qatif. There will be extra patrols in the morning and evening on main and branch roads that lead to mosques and commercial centers. The Civil Defense plan includes teams ready to deal with all types of incidents and rescue operations, including evacuations during peak hours. Temporary field teams have been set up at markets and on highways to work with permanent teams. They have been trained to quickly handle emergency situations, and have been equipped with the most advanced communication and other equipment. Several additional safety patrols have been deployed to tourist facilities including rest houses, hotels, malls and theme parks in all governorates. The Civil Defense has a plan for the Eid holiday that includes temporary firefighting teams at markets. It also has field teams at entertainment areas and restaurants, in coordination with the police, to tackle people using unlicensed fireworks. The Eastern Province security plan covers hot spots such as mosques, and markets where shoppers are expected in large numbers to buy food and clothes. There is also a plan to tackle beggars across the region. -arabnews