Qalqiliya – Ma’an – The Palestinian police arrested nine Qalqiliya youth on charges of mobile phone theft and using the devices for anonymous flirting, police said on Tuesday.

The information office of the police began investigations based on complaints from local residents of home break-ins, with the sole theft of mobile phones. Police also said they received information that the phones were being used for inappropriate contact and in some cases harassment.

The stolen phones were recovered, and one of those detained also confessed to having taken bank cards. All nine were transferred to the district prosecution for legal procedures.