Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, the Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, has emphasized the critical importance of proactive preventive initiatives in safeguarding society against a variety of cybercrimes.
His comments were made during a visit to the “Be Aware” platform, a cybercrime awareness initiative launched by the Departments of Criminal Investigation, Media, and Public Relations. The platform’s primary objective is to educate the public about fraud and electronic blackmail, delivering awareness messages to the community through cinema screens in collaboration with “Fox Cinema.”
Major General Al Shamsi stressed that the awareness campaign serves as a vital tool for emphasizing the significance of prevention in combatting cybercrime. He commended the efforts of the Sharjah Police’s Criminal Investigations Department in organizing and executing this impactful campaign.
Furthermore, Major General Al Shamsi announced plans to extend the reach of the “Be Aware” platform by introducing it to schools and universities in Sharjah. This expansion aims to maximize its impact and effectiveness in educating and protecting the community. The outcomes of the campaign will be evaluated to identify opportunities for future improvements that benefit society.
Colonel Omar Ahmed Abu Al Zoud, Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigations Department at Sharjah Police, highlighted a concerning trend. He revealed that the first half of the year witnessed a significant increase in reported cybercrimes, with a total of 351 reports, compared to 117 reports during the same period the previous year. Electronic fraud emerged as the most prevalent cybercrime, surging from 11 reports to 60 within the same timeframe.
Colonel Abu Al Zoud explained that the “Be Aware” platform functions as a comprehensive resource to combat cybercrimes. It encompasses six stations, each focusing on different methods employed by cybercriminals, ranging from electronic blackmail to hacking and electronic gaming, which has gained popularity among young individuals.