Riyadh Police have arrested three persons in connection with a series of crimes related to car thefts, attacking passers-by and snatching their handbags, mobile phones and other personal belongings.

Police swung into action after receiving several complaints from citizens and residents saying their cars were stolen, some parked near their residences and others taken forcibly, local media said.

According to the police, three persons riding a motorcycle attacked passers-by including men and women and snatched their bags and other personal belongings before fleeing.

Due to the seriousness of the crimes, the Department of Investigation and Criminal Research (DICR) at the Riyadh Police formed a highly efficient team to look into the complaints, the media said, adding that following intense and thorough investigation, the suspicion fell on three persons, two Saudis and a Yemeni.

When confronted with evidences, the three confessed that they had committed 156 crimes. Later, they took the investigators to various places where they had committed the crime, the media said quoting police reports. They were referred to the authorities concerned for further investigation.