Security arrangements in the holy city of Makkah have ensured an incident-free Ramadan with pilgrims and visitors performing Umrah and tawaf in complete peace in the Grand Mosque, said Col. Mohammad Al-Sheimi, director, security patrols.

He said at least 500 patrols are bring conducted everyday. It was a three-phase plan with the first two having concluded with security enhancement, and doubled efforts and numbers to follow up on the security status of Umrah pilgrims and visitors.

Col. Al-Sheimi said the third phase plan for the last 10 days of the holy month has started that includes doubling the number of patrols and shifts, from 300 to 500 in a single shift to follow up on the security situation in light of the huge number of visitors who will spend these days in the Grand Mosque.

He said up to 2,500 personnel were pressed into service, in addition to 350 supporting officers.

The central area has been divided into 19 blocks and is completely covered with security patrols located in areas that are difficult to reach in a short period of time.

There are pedestrian and motor bike units. The division of the security personnel has been done according to a field study, and takes into consideration the human density and nature of the area and its terrain.

He said the role of security patrols in the central area isn’t limited to following up on the security situation, is also to guide visitors to their accommodations and bring back lost children to their families.

Al-Sheimi said there are two patrols in each car park to provide security for vehicles of Umrah pilgrims, in addition to CCTV cameras which are monitored by the command and control center and the unified security operations center.

He pointed out that there are mobile patrols at commercial stores and Umrah pilgrim accommodations, undercover patrols inside and outside the central area, as well as patrols outside mosques during Taraweeh prayers.

Female elements are used in criminal investigations and in locations where their presence is necessary.

He confirmed that all cases so far have been related to theft and fighting.

One gang that stole from a house has been arrested and delivered to the relevant authorities, reported Almadina.