• Wednesday, August 27,2014

Gang of thieves that targeted mosques nabbed

The Western Region Police managed to arrest a three-member gang of masked thieves, of whom two are violators of the residence law. The arrested were involved in breaking into mosques across the UAE and stealing from donations boxes.


Colonel Ojeil Ali Abdullah Al Junaibi, Director of the Western Region Police Directorate at the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, noted that the police recently managed to arrest the suspects (a Gulf national and two Arab nationals) during a skillful operation. The police monitored the suspects’ suspicious movements and criminal activities carried out under the cover of night, explained Colonel Al Junaibi. Adding further he said that the officers seized two crowbars that the gang members used to break into the mosques after midnight and force open the wooden and iron donation boxes containing cash raised for charity. They also managed to recover some of the stolen money that the thieves had in their possession. Interrogation is still ongoing to determine the stolen amounts and to uncover the circumstances of the thefts, added Colonel Al Junaibi.


Elaborating on the details of the instance, Colonel Al Junaibi said: The Western Region Police Directorate recently received calls reporting the theft of a number of donations boxes set up by local charities in various mosques across the Western Region. Initial investigation revealed that the gang resorts to a the same method of operation, which involves breaking into the mosques and prying open the donation boxes under the cover of night without making any noise.


A search and investigation team from the directorate was formed to follow up on the circumstances of the thefts and to nab the perpetrators. The suspects involved were shortly identified arrested for looting Muslim places of worship, disregarding the sacredness of these places, Colonel Al Junaibi continued.


He added: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) team managed to arrest the gang members identified as H.A, 31 years old; H.M, 26 years old; and M.R, 26 years old, all of whom are unemployed. It is worth mentioning that two of the arrested have expired residence permits. Colonel Al Junaibi also stressed that the arrested had further plans to target other mosques.


During interrogation, the suspects confessed to stealing the content of 26 donations boxes from a number of mosques in various emirates, cities and areas across the UAE, after forcing open the boxes. They also confessed to having shared the loot, after deducting the expenses of the rented saloon car they used to carry out the thefts.


Colonel Al Junaibi explained the thieves’ criminal method, The gang members keep the donation box they intend to steal under surveillance at the targeted mosque. At night, and after making sure that the mosque is empty, two of the thieves, donned with masks and gloves, break into the mosque using an iron crowbar, leaving the driver in lookout. They force open the donation box, steal its content and flee the scene, indicated Colonel Al Junaibi.


In conclusion, the Director of the Western Region Police Directorate condemned the incident. He urged the public to be firm and to contribute to the efforts aimed at curtailing any negative scourges, by immediately reporting any illegal violations. This would allow timely intervention of the police, help to maintain the safety and security of society, and curb the various types of crime.