Abdulrahman Al-Ali Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Six members of a gang of thieves, allegedly involved in several burgles and robberies, was apprehended here on Thursday. The gang was reportedly operating in south Jeddah markets stealing mobile phones. After receiving several reports of mobile thefts, a crack team of experienced police officials was formed under the supervision of Maj. Gen. Abdullah Muhammad Al-Qahtani, Director of Jeddah Police. The team analyzed all the theft reports and compared them with the methods adopted by those arrested for similar crimes. The team also kept under surveillance many areas where previous crimes were carried out. A scientific study of the modus operandi of the gangs and increased surveillance of suspected areas proved helpful and the team set a trap for the wanted gangsters which led to their arrest. Jeddah Police spokesman First Lt. Nawaf Al-Bouq said the gang used to steal from people on the mostly empty roads and streets. The gang members used knives to threaten their victims who were mostly expatriates. Later the gang, comprising four Chadians and two Saudis, moved its activities to central Jeddah mobile phone markets and stole more than 100 mobile sets.
