RIYADH: The Riyadh police have arrested two gangs of thieves who formed themselves into groups of two and three. The groups have been involved in a number of robberies in central and eastern Riyadh.

According to the police, the suspects were all local youths in their 20s.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar had already instructed the police to implement a tough program to prevent crimes happening in the region.

The first group of three thieves were involved in more than 10 robberies in Manfouha district which included burglaries, taking cash, thefts of gold jewelry, electronics and expensive home appliances.

The police station in Manfouha district received several complaints from the expatriate community about the loss of their valuables due to thefts by the gang.

The second gang of two youths was operating in the east of Riyadh in the Granada district. According to the police, the gang, in addition to stealing jewelry, was also involved in car theft, snatching mobile phones from pedestrians, burglaries and petty thefts.

The police said that the suspects admitted to their guilt and had also produced some of the stolen valuables, including jewelry.

The police will continue to remain on the alert in all areas of the city, especially in areas where thefts have been reported. Members of the public are urged to provide information to the police that will help in criminals being caught and punished.