Beware: Pepper spray is being used to carry out robberies in this emirate

Picture used for illustrative purposes alone

In less than a week, three robberies were reported in Ras Al Khaimah in which pepper spray was used by unidentified attackers.
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Most recently, a man in his twenties sustained injuries in his eyes after an African attacked him with a pepper spray three days ago at the Maamura area of RAK city.
RAK Police sources confirmed the assault, and added that it was "the third in a week".
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Mohammed Ibrahim, the victim, said he was driving home last Monday at the Maamura area when he was surprised to see an African man standing at the door of his house.
"The moment I got out of my car, the stranger headed directly to me. I asked him why he was waiting in front of my house, and if there was anything I could do for him."
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The stranger did not reply, he added. "Instead, he sprayed pepper powder on my face and eyes. I collapsed on the ground and was in a lot of pain."
The assailant robbed the victim of two mobiles phones, a WiFi router and some documents. "I tried to defend myself, but could not see the attacker because I was temporarily blinded. The robber fled the scene and I could not follow him."
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Ibrahim was rushed to Saqr Hospital. "I reported the attack to the Maamura police."
Lt-Col Waleed Kanfash, head of the Criminal Investigation Department branch at the Maamura police station, said they received the complaint late on Monday.
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"We received two reports on similar attacks with pepper spray last week, but the attackers were nabbed and referred to the bodies concerned for legal action."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com