Maid helps nab suspected thief at Blk 666 Yishun

SINGAPORE - Ms Helen Javier Costales, a domestic helper, saw a man approach an 88-year-old woman who was seating on a bench near Blk 666 Yishun Avenue 4 at about 4pm yesterday and started talking to her.

He suddenly reached forward and took her purse from the pocket of her pants. He removed cash amounting to $57 from the purse, before returning it and fleeing the scene.

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Ms Costales alerted the police and provided a detailed description of the suspect. Officers from the Ang Mo Kio Police Division responded swiftly and searched the area. A 27-year-old suspect was arrested, at a nearby block at about 4.55pm. The stolen cash was also recovered from him.

The public-spiritedness of Ms Costales, who alerted the police immediately when she saw a man stealing from an old woman on Sunday, resulted in the culprit being caught within the hour.

He will be charged in court on Tuesday.

The commander of Ang Mo Kio police division HQ, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hsu Sin Yun, reiterating the importance of close police-community partnership in fighting crime. commended Ms Costales for her public-spiritedness and quick action in alerting the police.

ORIGINAL SOURCE