Two brave passers-by chased and apprehended a man they believed to have snatched the bag of an elderly woman in front of Block 622 Bedok Reservoir Road on December 31 last year.

A STOMPer, who took photos of the suspect after he was handcuffed by police, said:

"This picture was taken on December 31 2009.

"A foreign man was handcuffed by the Traffic Police.

"I assume the man was trying to rob an elderly woman of her bag in front of the market at Block 622 Bedok Reservoir Road."

Police said in response to a STOMP query:

"On 31 December 2009 at about 11.15 am, a woman was walking along the pavement in front of Block 622 Bedok Reservoir Road when an unknown man came from behind and snatched away her bag which she was holding in her left hand.

"The victim shouted for help and her cries caught the attention of 2 passers-by, who rushed to the victim's aid.

"The passers-by managed to detain the suspect after a short chase. Police arrived shortly after and placed the suspect under arrest.

"The 35 year-old suspect will be charged in Court on Saturday, 2 January 2010 for an offence of Snatch Theft under Section 356 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224 which carries a maximum punishment of 7 years imprisonment and shall be liable to caning.

"Commander of Bedok Police Division HQ, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Teo Chun Ching, commended the passers-by for their public spiritedness.

"He said, 'This case showcases the strong partnership between the community and the Police in fighting crime together.'"