Royal Oman Police cautions against mischief during Eid holidays

MUSCAT: With the Eid holidays just around the corner, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has issued a warning against any wrongdoing during Eid celebrations and promised to step up patrolling in congested areas.
A senior ROP official said police operations in areas used for entertainment during the Eid holidays will be maintained.
“We will increase patrolling in various congested areas, such as mosques and parks, as well as residential areas,” said the official.
The official also warned against disturbing law and order during the celebrations, such as lighting fireworks, where parents have been advised to monitor their children and make them aware of the dangers of playing with fireworks and firecrackers, as well as stopping them from playing alone in the streets.
“I have also warned (people) about the dangers of promoting and using firecrackers. We have a responsibility as a society to understand the dangers they (firecrackers) impose on us, especially our children, and the damages it could inflict on our properties,” said the ROP official.
A common occurrence during days of celebration is an increase in speeding on Omani streets. The official said drivers will not be able to anticipate other drivers’ next move, adding that they are more likely to lose control of their vehicle if they pass the speed limit.
Others gather with their vehicles during celebrations to race in public, which results in fatal accidents and turning the celebrations into an occasion for mourning.
The ROP official also cited Article (50/1) of the Traffic Law, which states that “Without prejudice to the measures stipulated in this Law or to any harder punishment stipulated in any other law, any person who commits any of the following actions shall be punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and/or by a penalty not exceeding OMR500.”
“Driving a motor vehicle recklessly or at a high speed or under the influence of alcohol or tranquilizers or any other materials, which affect the brain or otherwise in a manner, which presents danger to the public, their lives or property. Punishment for such actions will be doubled if the rules of traffic are breached while driving,” the official said.
“Drifting in public shows the utter ignorance and disrespect to street etiquette and public safety,” said the official.
He added that law enforcement is even stricter and aimed at instilling fear and intimidation among those who commit these acts; they will be imprisoned and will not be let out until they are sent to court. This is due to the seriousness and danger of the crime, which poses a danger to property and human life.
Eid holidays commonly witness several drowning cases, where some families, clubs and sports teams organise a mass gathering at the beach and the usual victims are children.
“Children drown due to swimming in the strong current areas of the beach or where the waves are high or they just simply can’t swim. Parents are also to blame if they leave their children without monitoring them,” said the official.
“Parents must keep monitoring their children if they are allowed to swim and prevent them from swimming when conditions are not favourable,” added the official.
Mass gatherings on the beach organised by clubs should have a predetermined programme for the day and appoint supervisors to offer advice and guidance, as well as follow the rules in order to not expose themselves to danger.