Riyadh police announced in an official statement that they have arrested a citizen involved in stealing a vehicle that was running. Not only that, but he also drove it against the flow of traffic, endangering the lives of other road users and residents of the neighborhood. Public security confirmed that the suspect has been detained and all necessary legal procedures are being taken against him, in preparation for referring him to the Public Prosecution for the application of deterrent penalties.
In a related development, the security investigation did not stop at apprehending the thief, but also included the online aspect of the incident. The statement clarified that the relevant authorities are currently working to arrest the individual who documented the incident and published the video content on social media platforms, in violation of the Anti-Cybercrime Law. This action underscores that the indiscriminate documentation and dissemination of crimes is a clear legal violation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Risks of leaving vehicles running
This incident once again highlights the phenomenon of "theft due to negligence," as security authorities regularly warn against leaving vehicles running while idling, even for quick errands like grocery shopping or using an ATM. This lapse in attention presents a golden opportunity for unscrupulous individuals to steal the vehicle in mere seconds. Leaving a vehicle unlocked and running is itself a traffic violation under Saudi traffic law, given the threat it poses to public safety and the ease with which it facilitates crime.
Driving against traffic: a double offense
What exacerbated the severity of the incident was the perpetrator's act of driving against traffic, a serious traffic violation that threatens public safety. Saudi traffic law imposes severe penalties for driving against traffic due to the horrific and often fatal accidents it causes. Combining theft with reckless driving demonstrates a profound disregard for traffic laws and the lives of others, warranting harsh punishment from the judiciary.
Cybercrime and Documentation System
A significant aspect of this story is the prosecution of the "photographer." Many are unaware that documenting crimes and publishing them publicly instead of reporting them to security authorities through official channels (such as the "Kulluna Amn" app) exposes the individual to legal accountability. The Kingdom's Anti-Cybercrime Law criminalizes violations of privacy, defamation, and the publication of anything that could harm public order. The aim of this measure is to prevent the circulation of videos that could incite panic or violate privacy, and to ensure that criminal evidence remains solely with the relevant authorities.
This incident confirms the efficiency of the security system in Riyadh and its rapid response to reports, whether field reports related to theft and traffic, or electronic reports related to publishing and content, to ensure the safety and security of society.
