In this file photo, Makkah police check permits of motorists entering the holy city.

More than 2,000 police personnel will soon join the Makkah police force as part of a plan to be implemented on the first day of Ramadan to facilitate the Umrah season in the holy city, said Director of Makkah Police Maj. Gen. Assaf Al-Qurashi.

Al-Qurashi added that last Ramadan, the police dealt with more than 300 theft cases in the Grand Mosque mostly involving illegal African citizens. The police also provided assistance to over 2,000 pilgrims who had lost their way.

“We work under the direct supervision of Interior Minister Prince Muhammad bin Naif and senior police officers to ensure all measures are taken to ensure the safety of the visitors to the holy mosque during Ramadan,” Al-Qurashi said, adding that Makkah police will oversee the performance of the transport companies responsible for the frequent commutes of pilgrims between the residential areas and the holy sites.