MAKKAH: Hafr Al-Batin police arrested two adult Saudis and a boy, 17, on the charge of stealing SR7,000 in cash and telephone cards worth SR9,000 from a grocery store and other thefts.
On receiving a complaint about the theft from the Asian manager of the grocery, the police and detectives questioned a 17-year-old boy in the neighborhood. During the questioning the boy confessed that the burglary was carried out with the help of two of his friends, both in their 20s.
The young men allegedly confessed to police that they were involved in the burglaries of nine other groceries and three pharmacies. They used to steal money and telephone recharge cards. Their crimes also included the theft of SR85,000 in cash from a house in the city and breaking into a vehicle to steal cash.
The boy has been sent to a juvenile center and the two young men have been detained in a local jail awaiting the completion of investigations, a police source said by telephone.
Meanwhile, Jeddah police arrested four foreigners for their suspected involvement in 35 cases of stealing heavy equipment and trucks from the industrial zone in the city.
Following increased reports of such thefts, a special police team started investigating and discovered several pieces of heavy equipment at a desert location outside the city. Further investigations led the team to a chop shop where stolen equipment were dismantled and valuable parts sold, said Col. Misfar Al-Juaid, spokesman for Jeddah police.
The suspects, all Yemeni nationals, have reportedly confessed to their crimes.
