Police have arrested a seven-member gang for a series of robberies they carried out in northeast Riyadh.

The police said the men were in their twenties and did not reveal their identity. They were involved in looting shops, robbing taxi drivers of their money and stealing electronic devices such as phones and laptops.

According to a police official, the robbers had used force and had even assaulted their victims to rob them of their belongings.

Security authorities received more than 14 complaints from the victims of the robbery, who were mainly members of the expatriate community.

The police said that it welcomes complaints from members of the public on matters that require action.

The suspects will appear in court for sentencing upon completion of investigations.

Recent reported robberies have shown a sudden increase in crimes in the capital. Incidents such as ordinary thefts, robberies, harassment, muggings and car thefts are common in places like Hai Al-Wazara, Batha, Kubera, Manfouha, Nasseriyah, Suwedi and Shumaisi.

Three weeks ago, an Asian expatriate was robbed of SR3,000 in cash, which he had kept in his possession for going on vacation the following day. The masked robbers took his house keys, as well as his iqama and other valuables in his pocket. They also assaulted him, causing severe damage to his right eye.