By Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporter
Last updated: June 09, 2009, 22:59
Dubai: Police arrested two men for allegedly breaking into at least 30 houses and carting away about Dh1 million worth of cash, jewellery, electronics and other valuable items within a month.
In a news conference, Colonel Khalil Ebarahim Al Mansouri, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), said the suspects - both from Tanzania - allegedly broke into houses in Mirdiff, Jumeirah and Bur Dubai areas while its residents were at work or in school.
The first suspect was arrested in Mirdiff three days ago and the second was pinned down in his hotel room in Al Naif in Deira.
Police said the second suspect was packing his luggage and was preparing to leave the country when he was arrested. Some of the stolen items, including five laptop computers allegedly taken from companies in Abu Dhabi, were alleged recovered from his possession.
Al Mansouri said police initially received a complaint from a Jordanian resident who said he lost his expensive watches, jewellery and accessories when unknown suspects burgled his house in Mirdiff in early May.
Another complaint was filed on May 20 by an Emirati who said burglars entered his villa in Mirdiff through an unlocked balcony door.
The suspects allegedly shifted their operation to Bur Dubai and managed to break into eight villas in Umm Suqeim, Umm Al Sheef and Jumeirah.
In two cases, the suspects used mace to immobilise guard dogs, police said.
Police have referred the cases to public prosecution.
Police drive: Serve and protect
A programme titled "080" was introduced by Dubai Police for villa residents. The service is available at the Dubai Police website.
"Dubai Police ensures that people registered in the service undergo the protection and safety measures to their villas before travelling," said Lieutenant Colonel Jamal Al Jalaf, Director of the Criminal Monitoring Department.
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