An alarming rise in street crime in Bahrain has prompted public representatives to push for mandatory surveillance cameras to be installed on residential properties such as homes, villas, apartment buildings and compounds.
The proposal, by a group of MPs, comes in response to a spike in thefts, vandalism, illegal racing and disorderly gatherings by youth.
The recommendation is currently being reviewed by the three municipal councils – Southern, Northern and Muharraq – as well as the Capital Trustees Board.
Depending on the feedback, it will be referred to the Cabinet for further consideration.
Strategic Thinking Bloc chairman Ahmed Al Salloom, who is spearheading the proposal, pointed to recent incidents involving break-ins, reckless driving and property damage.
“Reckless driving has moved from the main roads to inside residential areas, mainly by youths showing off their modified cars or manoeuvring with their motorbikes,” said the chairman of Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee.
“It is the same with honking outside shops or restaurants, while youth gatherings have also increased of late.”
He stressed that Bahrain needs to adapt to new criminal challenges that threaten public peace and safety. “That is why we have come up with a proposal to install surveillance cameras across the whole country – not just on major roads or commercial properties,” he said.
“Bahrain is a secure place, that’s not changing with the lowest crime rates in the world, but further measures are necessary to lower criminal acts that have plagued the country recently.”
In 2016, Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa issued a ministerial edict requiring all enterprises and companies to install CCTV systems both indoors and outdoors, with links to the ministry. These cameras are monitored by 24/7 operation rooms.
However, the edict strictly prohibited surveillance in areas considered private, including bedrooms, physiotherapy wards, restrooms, fitting rooms and other women-only spaces.
The new proposal seeks to build on that framework, expanding surveillance coverage to the perimeters of residential homes, particularly in crime-prone neighbourhoods.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif assured citizens that the purpose of the cameras was strictly security-related and not aimed at infringing on domestic life.
“The cameras will not see what goes on inside homes,” he said.
“It is just there to protect the surroundings. People shouldn’t be worried that police will use this proposal as an excuse to trespass into their lives.”
He added that the goal was to create safer, calmer and more liveable neighbourhoods.“It is there to ensure peace of mind, calm, safety and that security is not affected.”
Mr Abdullatif has long advocated for stronger tools to curb street crime.
“The proposal would certainly enhance public safety and deter rising antisocial behaviour.
“It also aligns with Bahrain’s broader security strategy amid increasing global concerns about localised crime, technological threats and public safety in densely populated urban areas.”
“The final decision on whether the CCTV requirement for homes becomes obligatory will be taken by the Cabinet, following the outcome of consultations with municipal councils and public institutions.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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