The gang was targeting commercial shops and stealing money, electronics and electrical equipment, police said.
Lt. Col. Ziyad Al-Raqaity, spokesman of Eastern Province police, said that police had begun investigating thefts after receiving reports from numerous victims. Many shops had complained to police about break-ins. Gen. Saad Al-Thubaiti, head of the Eastern Province police, ordered an investigation.
Police first arrested a number of suspects who were thought to be related to the case. They narrowed their focus to one person who reportedly confessed to police about committing the crimes and being part of a gang. All other suspects reportedly confessed as well.
The men are believed to have scoped their target beforehand to ascertain the level of security at each establishment.
The gang is believed to have stolen 352 cell phones, 12 cameras and 20 laptops in addition to other electronics.
