The Jeddah Police Department (JPD) arrested about 27,000 suspects last year for crimes such as fraud, possession of pornographic materials, car theft, impersonation and beggary.
The department carried out 192 raids, with 48 in conjunction with the general security department, said Lt. Nawaf Al-Bouq, Jeddah police spokesman.
A report by Jeddah police said that suspects and detainees were referred to the authorities concerned.
General Ali Al-Ghamdi, director of JPD, said security raids will continue. “Our raids are studied carefully, are accurate and inclusive,” he said to local media.
Saudis and expatriates are aware of the danger overstayers pose to security, community safety and the economy, he added. This awareness is shown by their co-operation in reporting any irregularity.
Al-Ghamdi said the police have a plan to apprehend street beggars without causing any accidents or placing policemen in danger by chasing them. “We watch them secretly at traffic lights and malls and follow them to their homes and arrest them.”
27,000 suspects arrested by Jeddah police last year
