The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Qassim police arrested recently nine persons from two gangs that committed 158 robberies in Qassim and Riyadh. The stolen items were estimated to be worth SR3 million.

Spokesman of Qassim Police Col. Fahad Al-Habdan, addressing a press conference, said the gang members had criminal records and they indulged in robbery of houses, shops, pharmacies and rest houses besides stealing vehicles, vehicle parts and sheep.

Al-Habdan explained that the gangs followed a certain pattern in committing the crimes, but the two were not linked with each other.

“The robberies took place in Buraidah, Onaizah, Al-Rus, Al-Shamasiah and Riyadh. They stole vehicles parked near shops and other public places,” he said.

The criminals, he pointed out, used the stolen cars for committing. “They would then some parts of the vehicles to citizens who do not mind grabbing the chance without any consideration for legal liabilities,” he added.

He said the gangs used to rob houses while their owners were away. They used to take away money, handsets and other high value, easy to carry items, Al-Habdan said, adding: “Members of the first gang also assaulted an elderly person after robbing his house.”

He said some members of the gangs stole sheep in the desert areas when the shepherds were not around. They also stole from shops after monitoring them and making sure that the owner had left, besides ensuring that the place did not have surveillance cameras, alarm sets or guards. They carried out such operations mainly during prayer times.

“The robbers sold their stolen items outside the regular markets for fear of being discovered for their criminal acts. They would target citizens and expatriates who buy stolen commodities including gold and electronic items, sheep and car parts at low prices,” said Al-Habdan.

The CID had gathered enough evidence to nail them during investigation and trial, he said.

He said the CID, under the supervision of Qassim police director Brig. Bader Al-Taleb, carried out the initial procedures against the accused. After recording their versions, the police inspected the crime scenes, identified owners of the stolen items and then collected the stolen commodities to return them to their original owners.

He said keeping bad company, following the path of ex-criminals and suspicious persons, weak parental supervision, and frequent absence from home and school are major contributory factors that lead individuals to deviate from moral values.