MAKKAH: Police in the holy city have arrested three different gangs on charges of theft and pickpocketing in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque. Two Afghanis were detained for theft in the area, and a police search of their place of residence led to a further two being held. Officers found at the site foreign currencies to the value of SR70,000. In a separate operation, four Bangladeshis were detained for pickpocketing. Members of the gang were reportedly tasked with blocking pilgrims' paths and distracting them, enabling their colleagues to commit their crimes. A third group consisting of three minors was held for stealing women's handbags.
