MAKKAH, 29 January 2008 — Statistics released by the Makkah police for the year 1428 (2007-2008) show an increased number of criminals arrested in the holy city.

In 1427, police arrested 56,455 people, and seized 577 cars and 3,727 motorbikes. Last year, 68,317 people were arrested, and 966 cars and 5,487 motorbikes were seized.

Maj. Abdul Muhsin Al-Mayman, official spokesman for the Makkah police, attributed the increase in the number of arrests to a growing police presence in the streets of the holy city.

“The Makkah police have managed to make lots of arrests and only a few murder cases have been left unsolved. The majority of crimes involve assaults, followed by thefts and then murders,” he said. “Overstayers are on top of the list of people arrested in cases related to burglaries, car thefts and bootlegging.”

He added that the finger printing system, which was introduced last year, has played a huge role in stopping criminals from reentering the Kingdom.

“In the past, we’ve had problems of criminals re-entering the country using different names and passports. The finger printing has been very useful,” he said.