ABU DHABI // Abu Dhabi Police arrested a gang of six Pakistanis who they say attempted to steal 1,900 metres of copper electrical cables from a government facility.
The suspects, aged 19 to 38, intended to illegally sell the cables as scrap after taking them from the facility, located in Al Faya area in Abu Dhabi, police said.
Police retrieved the stolen goods after officers from Al Rahba Police Station arrested the suspects, who they say cut the cables and loaded them into a 4x4 vehicle.
Security patrols were sent to the area and an investigation team was formed after police received a tip about the theft, said Maj Mohammed Al Hassani, chief of Al Rahba Police Station.
The station coordinated with Sweihan Police Station to keep the targeted locations monitored and to arrest the suspects, police said.
Initial investigations showed the suspects cables loaded to their vehicle after cutting them using scissors, saws, screwdrivers and shovels.
Maj Al Hassani urged those from public and private facilities to remain vigilant and safeguard their properties by installing surveillance cameras and lights in their workplaces.
Police in the UAE have previously said that cable thefts are common in the region in part due to its large demand for cables.
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