BUTTERWORTH: A snatch thief was caught by members of the public here yesterday as he attempted to flee after grabbing a woman’s necklace outside a Hindu temple.
The incident occurred as the victim was performing a prayer near a tree.
Police said the man approached the woman from behind and suddenly snatched the gold necklace.
Seberang Prai Utara police chief Assistant Commissioner Noorzainy Mohd Noor said other devotees who saw the incident came to the victim’s aid and apprehended the suspect.
"They gave chase and soon after, managed to apprehend the suspect."
Noorzainy said the victim sustained injuries to her neck following the incident, which was also captured on video by a nearby closed circuit television camera.
The footage of the incident has since gone viral on social media.
“We manage to seize the stolen item as well as the man's motorcycle,” he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 394 of the Penal Code.
He said the suspect will be remanded at the Butterworth court tomorrow to assist in the investigation.