Burglars arrested after returning to scene of crime, Dubai court hears

Emiratis AA, 22, MY, 24, and Pakistani LA, 20, allegedly broke into a villa belonging to EG, 39, from New Zealand, at around dawn on May 21 this year.

DUBAI // Criminals who return to the scene of the crime are a staple of detective fiction – but it happens in real life too, a court has heard.

Three thieves were arrested after one of them dropped his phone in the house they were robbing and they went back to retrieve it, the Dubai Criminal Court was told.

The men are accused of breaking into a villa in Umm Suqeim early on May 21 this year and stealing speakers and a laptop.

The householder, E G, 39, from New Zealand, found a masked intruder on the first floor of his home about 5.30am.

On the ground floor he found two more men, one of whom was holding a hammer. Prosecutors say the three threatened him before escaping.

“I found an iPhone 6 then call-ed police,” said E G, and shortly after a black Chevrolet Camaro pulled up in front of his home.

His neighbour said he was getting ready for his morning exercise when he saw E G outside.

“A car stopped and a man came out. He started talking to me about sports and jogging, then he became tense and spoke to E G and confessed that it was him who had robbed him.

“He apologised and said he stole because of his need for money. He returned the stolen items to E G and asked for the phone he dropped, and pleaded with E G not to call police.”

The two Emiratis and a Pakistani – aged 22, 24 and 20 – deny charges of armed robbery and issuing threats. One Emirati admits trespassing. The next hearing is set for September 3.