RIYADH: A gang of four robbers allegedly involved in 56 robberies has been arrested in the capital, the Riyadh Police Department said on Friday.

According to the authorities, the gang comprises one Saudi man and three from Chad, all of whom are in their twenties. The arrests were made following a number of complaints received by various police stations in Riyadh.

The police said the gang was involved in many car thefts as well as various other kinds of armed robberies, in which they snatched valuables including mobile phones, pre-paid cards and other goods from both citizens and residents.

The gang looted goods from shops, pharmacies and grocery stores in Riyadh at knife point, the police said, adding that the criminals were using stolen cars to commit robberies. It is difficult to catch the culprits even if someone takes down the number of the vehicle used in the crime because the cars are stolen.

However, the police launched a detailed investigation and studied the modus operandi of the robbers. After zeroing down on the culprits, the police raided their homes and arrested them. The police also seized a large number of stolen items hidden in a room.

After taking the suspects into custody, the police are now trying to find out if more people were involved in the robberies.

Upon completion of the inquiry, the suspects will be brought before court for appropriate punishment.

Barely two days ago, five Saudis were arrested in Riyadh for allegedly robbing truck drivers at gunpoint.