- JEDDAH: Police in Jeddah recently arrested a Yemeni national in his 30s after he allegedly stole car parts and equipment from a mechanic's shop where he worked before telling officers he was the victim.
"The person had stolen a number of car tires, six car batteries and a tire changer machine from the shop where he worked in Kilo Seven area on Makkah Road. He then called the police and told them someone had stolen the items," Jeddah police spokesman Col. Misfer Al-Juaid told Arab News. He added that officers were dispatched to the scene.
"Officers met the man, took his statement, and an intensive search was conducted around the location for evidence. Fingerprints were also taken from the crime scene," Al-Juaid said.
When police started talking to people in the area, suspicions were raised that the Yemeni man was actually the one responsible for the theft.
"Eyewitness statements and the man’s neighbors said they actually saw him supervising the loading and shipping of the goods from the car shop. They also saw him riding in a truck heading in an unknown direction with the stolen items," Al-Juaid said.
The person is currently in custody on charges of theft and lying to the police. If convicted, he will be sent to jail.
Meanwhile, Jeddah police arrested a man who was accused of conning SR72,000 out of a shop owner in Nahda district.
"The person deceived the shop owner by promising to get him a large number of labor visas if he paid SR72,000 in cash upfront,” said Al-Juaid.
“The owner paid up, but the man tried stalling the deal, which raised his client’s suspicions."
The shop owner contacted the police, who told Arab News that the man was arrested on charges of fraud and not honoring his promise to the shop owner.
He is currently in custody at Al-Salama police station pending an investigation.
Police are also investigating a theft of jewelry worth more than SR12,500 involving a Bangladeshi and an Indian national in Fayha district.
A Saudi engineer accused the two of taking the valuables, telling police they were stolen while he was away from home.
"The two are under suspicion of stealing due to them giving conflicting statements on the matter. An investigation is under way and the suspects remain in custody," said Al-Juaid.
