Police said the suspect used to wait in parking lots outside banks and have some of his accomplices monitor the scene.

They added the suspect approached and attacked his victims when he felt the coast was clear.

“The suspect admitted his involvement in the robberies. The first case involved a victim carrying SR250,000 in cash outside a bank north of the city. The second case involved him stealing SR200,000, and the third SR160,000. All three crimes were conducted outside banks and at different times,” said Jeddah police spokesman Brig. Misfer Al-Juaid.

Al-Juaid said the suspect is currently being held in a northern Jeddah police station while investigations continue, as detectives suspect others may have been involved.

“Bank customers are advised not to carry large sums of money as there are a number of small gangs that target such people. Our secret police is working tirelessly to end their criminal activities,” said Al-Juaid.

Meanwhile, two Saudi women are under investigation in Jeddah for withdrawing more than SR45,000 from another woman’s account without her knowledge, police said on Saturday.

“The victim’s husband told police large sums of money had been withdrawn from the bank account and that she suspected foul play. Police conducted an investigation leading to the two suspects, who were eventually detained,” said Brig. Misfer Al-Juaid.

Al-Juaid said the two suspects admitted they had forged financial documents and checks. In addition, both suspects have allegedly taken advantage of their friends and relatives’ goodwill to steal money.