Crimes in Al Ain dropped by 25 per cent in the first half of the current year as compared to same period last year. Colonel Hamad Al Amami, Director of Al Ain Police, said criminal cases (general crimes) fell 25 per cent in the January-June period to 2,035 from 2,725 registered for the same period in 2009. He also noted a decline of 16 per cent in crimes of concern (murder, rape, narcotics, coercive theft and others) to 272 from 324 for the period under review. He said massive deployment of police patrols to preserve security and stability, heightened public awareness and application of international best practices were behind the decline in crimes. ''The remarkable fall in crimes achieved the vision and strategy of the UAE leadership for making the UAE an oasis of peace and security and one of the most secure and stable countries in the world through control and reduction of crimes in order to create a favourable atmosphere for sustainable development,” he said.