JEDDAH, 10 August 2006 — Eight Tunisian suspects were arrested on different dates in different police operations, but have been linked as members of a gang of burglars suspected of robbing more than 60 residences in Jeddah, the local authorities announced yesterday.

The alleged ringleader of the gang was arrested with another suspect in front of a costume shop in a recreational commercial center located on Prince Sultan Street in the northern part of Jeddah.

Police said that the Tunisian thief was wearing a wig during his arrest and carried fake ID. The man, who was carrying a gun, attempted unsuccessfully to flee. A number of gold pieces of jewelry were found in his car. More stolen items were also found in his apartment, along with equipment used in the heists. An Asian woman was also detained in the residence and is currently being investigated for her connection to the crimes.

Police said that the thieves were targeting wealthy neighborhoods, including Al-Zahra, Al-Salamah and Al-Hamrah.

Police said the burglars carefully planned their heists. They put the targeted house on close watch, observing the owners’ daily routine.

“They timed their heists very carefully making sure the owners were out of the home,” said a police officer that did not want to be identified by name.

Police said the men were equipped with all gadgets needed to open security safes and were professional trained; each member of the gang had a role in the operation. After each job they laid low for a while before they targeted another house.

In an unrelated case, a burglar entered a house in Al-Thager district in Jeddah when the owners were celebrating their son’s wedding party early Tuesday morning.

According to police the thief entered through the kitchen. He removed an airconditioner and entered through the hole in the wall hole. He then entered Khalifa Al-Harbi’s room and stole his work briefcase, which contained a number of calling cards and phone chips along with the device that operates them. The items stolen, including jewelry, were estimated to be worth SR10,000.