Riyadh Man Arrested Over Car Battery Thefts

Security patrols in Riyadh have arrested a man accused of stealing vehicle batteries after he appeared in video footage taking a battery from a parked car. Nine vehicle batteries were found in his possession at the time of his arrest.

The suspect was detained and legal procedures were initiated against him. He has been referred to the Public Prosecution to complete the legal process.

Why It Matters to Residents

Theft of vehicle parts — including car batteries — is treated in Saudi Arabia as a form of vehicle theft and is classified as a major crime requiring detention. Legal protection covers the vehicle along with all its parts and contents, meaning even the theft of a single component can trigger mandatory detention by the Public Prosecution, with an initial period that may be extended depending on the needs of the investigation.

If the legal conditions for the hudud punishment for theft are met — including the value threshold, secure custody, and other sharia conditions — the statutory penalty can reach amputation of the right hand. Where those conditions are not met, discretionary penalties apply, which may include imprisonment, flogging, and financial fines, individually or combined, at the discretion of the criminal court judge. In aggravated cases involving breach of trust or public-sector property, imprisonment can reach up to 10 years and fines up to 20,000 SAR.

Residents who fall victim to similar thefts can file a police report at the nearest police station or through the Ministry of Interior's electronic services. The case is then transferred to the Public Prosecution and the competent criminal court. Victims may also pursue civil claims for compensation through the judicial system, with case registration and follow-up handled via the Ministry of Justice's electronic services.

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