A TAXI driver and a student helped nab a snatch thief who had grabbed the handbag of a woman at Jurong West on Wednesday night.

The 23-year-old woman was walking near Block 607 Jurong West, Street 65 at about 11.50pm when the suspect came from behind and snatched her handbag and fled.

The victim cried for help and called the police. Her shouts attracted the attention of Mr Lim Hwa Ann, 48, a cabbie, and Mr Mohammad Fauzi Khalid, 25, a student.

They chased after the suspect and caught him at a multi-storey car park at Block 648 Jurong West, Street 64.

Police officers came shortly and arrested him.

Commander of Jurong police station, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Cheang Keng Keong, commended Mr Lim and Mr Mohammad for their public spiritedness.

The 24-year-old suspect will be charged in court on Friday for theft, which carries up to seven years jail and caning.

Snatch theft at Tampines
Another woman in her late 40s was also a victim of a snatch theft on Tuesday at 9pm.

She was walking along the footpath near Blk 328 Tampines St 32, when a man approached her asking for change. When she took out her purse, the man grabbed it and fled.

In her purse were $260 worth of gold jewellery, $8 cash, and 100 Euro.

Anyone with information can contact the Police at 1800-255-0000.