Meanwhile the police of Al-Jamaa district arrested three individuals on charges of stealing a purse with SR1,500 in it from a Saudi citizen. Police arrested three men—two Saudis and a Yemeni—whose description matched the one provided by the robbery victim.

Jeddah police spokesman Col. Misfir Al-Juaid told Arab News that a recent police crackdown led to the arrest of 24 criminals wanted for various crimes, including theft, robbery, liquor drinking and other crimes. He said during the crackdown against overstayers and peddlers, the police also nabbed 411 illegal foreigners including women and children.

Al-Juaid said during the crackdown, the police established makeshift checkpoints late at night in certain locations in Jeddah. He said the police ahs set up a new landline phone number 642-5550 to receive tips from citizens and foreigners about crimes.