A GOLD chain worth $1,600 was snatched from a 75-year-old retiree at Tekka Food Centre on Monday morning.

The suspect approached the victim who was sitting at a table and asked him if he wanted to exchange some US currencies.

The thief then grabbed the victim's gold chain and fled.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward and also advise members of the public to refrain from wearing expensive jewellery.