Youth theft suspects nabbed
Posted: 26 December 2011 2204 hrs
SINGAPORE: Two youths suspected of snatch theft were nabbed with the help of a quick-thinking member of the public and an off-duty police officer.
The suspects, both 16-year-olds, were arrested at about 11.25pm on Sunday.
The victim, a 49-year-old woman, was walking along Choa Chu Kang Ave 3 when one of the youths snatched her handbag from the rear and fled toward Blk 218 Choa Chu Kang Central.
The victim then screamed for help.
Her cries attracted the attention of a member of the public who helped chase after the suspect.
The youth was then seen running together with a second suspect towards Choa Chu Kang MRT station.
An off-duty police officer, who had heard the commotion, joined in the chase.
The suspects were eventually detained.
The victim's handbag was recovered on the third floor of Blk 218 Choa Chu Kang Central.
One of the suspects will be charged on Tuesday.
If convicted, he could be jailed up to seven years.
Investigation into the second suspect is on going.
Commander of Jurong Police Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Florence Chua, said the arrest represented yet another example of the strong partnership between the community and the police in fighting crime together.
She also commended the two men for their public-spirited actions which led to the arrest of the suspects.
- CNA/wk
