JEDDAH: A CCTV screen in a Riyadh mall relays a scene in which a girl is walking along the corridors of the shopping center when a teenager tries to harass her. Suddenly, the young man is rounded up by a security man.

This is one of the scenes that the reporter of a local publication has witnessed. Policemen are deployed extensively to maintain security and deal with various offenses, especially youths harassing women, said the report on Saturday.

“I admit that I was guilty and at fault. When I was arrested by the security man, I did not resist at all as I knew I was wrong,” a youth, who was arrested, was quoted as saying.

Tahani Al-Khamis, a young woman, said that some teenagers and youths just want a female to pass by and start gazing at them and passing comments.

“They say the silliest things thinking this will draw the girl’s attention. It doesn’t really! They don’t care even if she is covered up from head to toe. It is a blessing that security men are always around to maintain law and order,” she added.

A security man said they intervene only when necessary: “It is everybody’s right to enjoy a good time, but without overriding the joy and freedom of others.”

He said a majority of those arrested for harassment by security men are teenagers, mostly less than 18 years old.

Meanwhile, the police launched a drive in the beginning of this month to arrest shop owners who are late on prayers and people involved in harassment and extortion cases. According to official figures, more than 50 people were arrested for their alleged involvement in different offenses.