The Criminal Investigation Department of Jeddah police has arrested a seven-member gang of African expatriates, including two minors, for committing 13 thefts in several houses in Al-Jamia neighborhood.

The investigation team from Al-Jamia police station detected the thefts even though the victims chose not to report the crime to the police.

After receiving four calls, a security team was formed under the directions from Maj. Gen. Abdul Aziz Al-Souli. Jeddah police director Maj. Gen. Abdullah bin Samah Al-Qahtani supervised the operation.

The undercover team, through search and investigations, tracked down the criminals and arrested them.

Jeddah police spokesman Nawwaf Al-Bouq said all the members of the gang have been arrested and are currently under investigation by Al-Jamia police.

The two minors were placed in a minor’s shelter, he said, adding that the criminals confessed to stealing from several houses in Al-Jamia neighborhood.

Investigations are still under way and the fingerprints of the accused will be matched with those lifted from the crime scenes before they are brought to justice.

Al-Bouq called on citizens and residents to report thefts, stressing that security forces are working round-the-clock to keep track and follow up on thieves regardless of the magnitude of the crime.