MADINAH — Security officers stationed outside and in the Prophet's Mosque have helped 1,800 lost children find their parents since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, Al-Watan daily reported. Most children get lost during Taraweeh (special Ramadan prayers) and Tahajjud (late night prayers). Brig. Yousif Al-Ahmadi, director of Madinah Police, said the officers keep their eyes open for lost children and focus on the elderly people who need help or get lost on the way back to their hotels. “If an officer spots a lost child, he goes to him directly and tries to soothe the crying and scared child looking for his parents. The next thing the officer does is to send the child's description and information to 999 operation room because most parents call 999 when they lose their children,” Al-Ahmadi said. Most lost children are taken back to their parents quickly because there is a large number of officers stationed everywhere inside, outside, and near the Prophet's Mosque and they all search for the parents of the lost children. “Most officers are well-trained and know how to deal with dozens of children who get lost on a daily basis due to overcrowding,” he added. The official also urged parents to be extra careful during the last days of Ramadan as the Two Holy Mosques are expected to be full to the brim.
