Royal Navy sailors are arrested on suspicion of ‘stealing laptops and iPads’ on American base in Bahrain – days after two others were detained by Dutch police for being ‘drunk and disorderly’

A group of Royal Navy sailors have been arrested on suspicion of stealing laptops and iPads from a duty free shop on an American base in Bahrain, it has emerged.

The sailors are suspected of using security alarm proof bags to snag the items from the Main Navy Exchange store, The Sun reported. The group of around seven servicemen then allegedly sold the stolen goods to others at half the retail price. 

Some of the sailors were arrested by ‘American armed military police’ in January, a source has claimed. Others were reportedly marched off of the HMS Middleton in handcuffs following a joint investigation by the UK and US.

A Royal Navy spokesperson told MailOnline it is aware of the alleged incident, which is currently ‘under investigation’.

Last week, three Royal Navy sailors deployed in the Netherlands on the HMS Prince of Wales were arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

The group, which allegedly includes a chef and communications officer, were arrested in Bahrain in January and are believed to have since been taken to Colchester’s military prison in Essex.

Military police allegedly collected ‘bags of evidence’ when they took the sailors into custody.

A Royal Navy spokesperson told MailOnline today: ‘We are aware of an alleged incident which is under investigation. 

‘As this is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further nor provide a timeline to when a conclusion can be provided.’

Last week, three Royal Navy sailors deployed in the Netherlands on the HMS Prince of Wales (pictured) were arrested for being drunk and disorderly

News of the alleged theft in Bahrain comes less than a week after three British servicemen stationed in Rotterdam were each arrested on separate occasions.

One sailor was arrested last Monday night and was tasered by local police officers after he allegedly injured two police officers. 

A second sailor on the same evening from Monday to Tuesday was arrested and held by UK military police. He was charged with being drunk.

The Daily Mirror reported that he was also arrested for being in possession of a suspected ‘hard drug, possibly cocaine’ according to Dutch Military Police and the drugs are now being tested. 

Finally, on Wednesday a third crew member was arrested for being drunk and disorderly in Rotterdam city centre and for failing to produce his ID. He was released without charge and ordered to pay a fine. 

All three men were in civilian clothes when they were arrested and none were officers.