A suspect who was robbing citizens in mosques in Istanbul was caught red-handed.

In Istanbul, within approximately 2 months, following theft incidents in mosques primarily in Başakşehir, as well as in Beyoğlu, Şişli, Sarıyer, Bağcılar, Arnavutköy, and Kadıköy, the Başakşehir Mobile Park police initiated an investigation. It was determined that the suspect had committed theft in 9 different mosques in Başakşehir.

STOLE WHILE PRETENDING TO PRAY

Police teams identified the suspect, Erdal D. (47), from security camera footage and began to monitor him. After determining that the suspect was at Kayaşehir Central Mosque on Sunday, October 27, around 1:00 PM, police teams went to the mosque and started to watch the suspect in real-time from the camera room. The police took action after seeing the suspect pretending to pray, then stealing bags and heading towards the exit.

BAŞAKŞEHİR MOBILE PARK POLICE CAUGHT HIM

As the suspect was about to exit the mosque, the Başakşehir Mobile Park police, who entered the mosque, caught Erdal D. red-handed. After being handcuffed, the suspect Erdal D. was taken to the police station with the bags he attempted to steal. The events were captured second by second on security and mobile phone cameras.

SUSPECT INVOLVED IN 33 CRIMES ARRESTED

It was revealed that the suspect had hidden a bag stolen from another mosque in a bushy area in the Fenertepe locality three days before his arrest. The bag found there was also seized by the police. It was discovered that the suspect Erdal D., taken to the police station, was involved in 33 separate crimes. After his statement was taken, he was referred to the courthouse and confessed to his crime. The suspect Erdal D. was arrested and sent to prison for 10 separate counts of 'Theft in the open.'