Emirati man robs 13 shops in RAK, arrested in 48 hours

Ras Al Khaimah - Police tracked him down based on his 'walking style'.

A robber has been arrested in Ras Al Khaimah within 48 hours after robbing 13 stores in Ras Al Khaimah. 
Brigadier Abdullah Ali Menakhas, Director of the Criminal Investigations Department of RAK police, on Monday, said that the suspect was an Emirati national in his twenties.  
"The RAK police had recently received a number of complaints that some shops were robbed by an unidentified person, who used the same style in all his robberies."  
According to initial investigations, the thief had apparently used an iron lever or sharp tool - that later proved to be a sword, to remove door locks and break into the shops he stole, he added.  
"A search and investigation team has been formed to collect information, prints and evidence from the robbed shops, as well as CCTV footage from inside and outside the shops."  
"However, the thief was very cunning and covered his face with a mask and wore two gloves so as not to leave fingerprints that could help in tracking him down and identifying," highlighted Brig. Menakhas.  
"Leveraging upon the expertise of the RAK police CID teams and the information collected, we managed to track down the suspect through his robbery style and his way of walking."  
CID officials, armed with the required legal permissions, set a trap to catch the criminal red-handed and managed to arrest the suspect in a record time, he stated.
"The thief has a criminal record and was involved in similar thefts before."  
During initial interrogation, the suspect confessed to having robbed 13 shops across the emirate, with the help of a friend who is still at large, Brig Menakhas disclosed.  
"The thief admitted to having stolen different amounts of cash money and valuable goods, and showed the police the tools he used in his robberies and handed over the cash he stole as well."  
Some of the cashier machines - stolen from the shops - were also found in his possession, he said.
"The suspect, stolen cash and items were all referred to the RAK public prosecution for legal action."  
Brig Menakhas urged all shop owners and shopkeepers to take all the precautionary measure due to protect their outlets and tightly lock their shops so as not be easily broken or stolen.  
"All shopkeepers are highly advised to leave no cash money or valuable items at their shops, and immediately report any suspicious activity around their shops."  
Meanwhile, a surprise inspection campaign has been launched to check if all the shops and outlets in the emirate have installed the mandatory surveillance cameras as per RAK police's instructions.  
"Thousands of brochures in Arabic, English and Urdu have been distributed among shop owners and shopkeepers to develop their awareness about the best way to protect their outlets."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah