MAKKAH — More than 2,000 cameras have been planted in various parts of the Grand Mosque and its plazas to watch for and apprehend thieves and pickpockets, a senior security official has said. "There will also be undercover policemen in the Haram 24/7 to prevent theft and all other crimes," commander of the Umrah security police, Maj.Gen. Abdulaziz Al-Souli, was quoted by Makkah daily as saying. Al-Souli was addressing a press conference on Monday, which was also attended by high ranking officers from the Makkah police. Al-Souli said all security sectors will participate in maintaining the safety and security of pilgrims and visitors during the holy month of Ramadan. "We will always be there to provide pilgrims with consummate services to ensure them with an atmosphere conducive for worship, supplication and prayer," he said. Commander of the road security forces, Maj.Gen. Khaled Nashshat Al-Qahtani, said their responsibility was to tightly guard all roads leading to Makkah and Madinah, in addition to all the expressways in the Kingdom. "There will be 51 centers for road security forces on major roads to Makkah and Madinah to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, especially during the holy month of Ramadan," he said. Director of traffic, Maj.Gen. Abdul ragman Abdullah Al-Muqbil, said the traffic plan is focused on organizing the traffic movement, operating parking areas and controlling traffic in the tunnels. "There are five parking lots on the main entrances to Makkah for people coming from outside," he said. He revealed that about 1,400 buses will be stationed in these parking spaces to transport pilgrims around-the-clock to and from the Grand Mosque. Al-Muqbil said there are also parking lots inside the holy city for Makkah residents which can also be used for going to and from the Haram.
