JEDDAH: The security authorities in Jeddah have detained two Ethiopian expatriates suspected of stealing SR450,000 from the car of a man working for a pilgrim transportation company. The 41-year-old representative told police he had received SR450,000 from the company's management to deposit at a bank. He reported that he kept the money in the car's trunk. On his way to the bank he stopped at a fast-food restaurant, left the engine running and locked the doors, while he went in to buy something to eat. He said he was inside the restaurant for a few minutes. When he came out he found a window broken, the trunk open and the money missing. When he informed the police they rushed to the scene immediately, cordoned off the nearby streets and set up checkpoints to look for the stolen money. Security officers eventually arrested two suspicious-looking persons who had tried to flee when approached by officers. Col. Misfer Al-Ju'aid, spokesman of the Jeddah Police, said investigations are underway. He advised members of the public not to carry large amounts of money. He said the Ministry of Interior has stipulated that a guard should escort accountants when they carry such huge amounts of money.
