Police arrest kidnappers in Kirkuk

KIRKUK, Kurdistan Region (K24) – Police arrested groups of kidnappers and thieves in Kirkuk Province on Sunday, suspected of kidnapping children and stealing gold from people.

Razwan Shukur, the Director of Crime Prevention Office in Kirkuk Province, told K24 that the police had arrested two different groups, one of them a group of three kidnappers. "They were kidnapping children in the province, the children are free now," he said.

Shukur had previously told K24 that there were a group of unknown militants in Kirkuk that kidnapped children for ransom, specifically targeting the children of businessmen. 

He stated that the second group contained two persons who stole cars in the province. He mentioned, "The group has admitted that they have stolen six cars… The persons are originally from Kirkuk."

Shukur also revealed that Kirkuk police have arrested two women caught stealing gold and money from different houses in the province. "They were taking advantage of opportunities and stole gold and money whenever they found out that none of their neighbors were at home."

He said that the shootings heard at night by civilians in Kirkuk might be fireworks, assuring people in the province that Kirkuk is safe and stable. Shukur also encouraged people to call police immediately whenever they see something suspicious.

In addition, Shukur stated that cases of theft have decreased in the Province, and he related it to the security measures that the police forces have adopted in Kirkuk.

Kirkuk police have also arrested another person on Sunday suspected of assisting in the terrorist actions in Baghdad, according to Shukur.

(Soran Kamaran from Kirkuk contributed to this report)