Police have arrested a 34 year-old man who is believed to be responsible for several cases of snatch theft involving elderly female victims, in their 60s, in housing estates in Bedok North, Tampines and Simei.

Since December 2009, several cases of snatch theft were reported in the mentioned housing estates. In these cases, the suspect would either follow the victims into the lifts or loiter at void decks or staircase landings before snatching away their gold chains/pendants. As the elderly victims were not able to provide a good description of the suspect, the police had little to work on initially. Nonetheless, officers from Bedok Police Division persevered and did not give up. The officers studied the crime pattern, mounted ambushes and conducted extensive inquiries in an effort to apprehend the suspect. The persistent efforts of the police eventually led to a breakthrough when they managed to establish the identity of the suspect on 18 Feb 2010.

On 19 Feb 2010, the suspect was arrested at Marine Terrace. Cash amounting to $200/- and 6 pieces of stolen jewelleries were recovered.

Commander of Bedok Police Division HQ, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Teo Chun Ching commended his officers for their dedication, and excellent ground work in putting an end to the suspect's crime spree. He said that Police take a serious view of those who prey on vulnerable victims and will spare no effort to bring such perpetrators to justice.

The suspect will be charged in Court 26 on 20 February 2010 for Snatch Theft under Section 356 of the Penal Code Chapter 224 which carries an imprisonment for a term of up to 7 years and caning.