Third time unlucky, jewellery thief caught in Saudi

A man who allegedly stole jewellery from different stores in the city over a period of three years was arrested at King Abdulaziz International Airport while entering the Kingdom on a Haj visa.

The man from a north African country had robbed jewellery worth 3.38 million Saudi riyal ($901,213) after coming to the city in the guise of a pilgrim, the Saudi Gazette reported.

He used to come in the month of Ramadan and burgle jewellery stores during the day when the streets were generally empty.

The police received reports from store owners at Al-Yamamah Souq in Al-Kandrah district that jewellery worth SR1.8 million ($479,936) was stolen from their stores.

Two years after his first crime, another jewellery theft was reported to the police in Al-Murjan Souq in Al-Safa district. He stole ornaments worth SR2 million ($533,262)from the souq.

After his second theft, the police were able to get his features as a surveillance footage showed him talking to a partner in crime who was not involved in the first theft.

The police recorded the thief's information in the database but he was able to elude arrest and escape.

On the man's third visit to the Saudi Kingdom, the police matched his data with their list of wanted criminals and he was arrested.

The police were still searching for the man's accomplice and investigating whether the thief was involved in more crimes.

--IANS

soni/vt