Police have arrested a pizzeria employee in Kfar Saba on suspicion of stealing NIS 10,000 from his work place and spraying himself with pepper spray to fake a robbery.

Last month, the employee told police a suspect had entered the restaurant with a knife, stole the funds, and sprayed him with the pepper spray "to prevent him from giving chase."

An investigation was launched by the Crime-Fighting Unit at Kfar Saba police station, and officers became suspicious that the robbery story was a fabrication.

The employee was arrested on Monday. During questioning, he first denied the suspicions, but eventually confessed, saying that his financial situation was untenable and that he stole the funds, police said.