SHAH ALAM – A nine-month pregnant woman ran 50m to foil a snatch thief who stole her bag while she was in the toilet at a supermarket last night.
The rapid reaction of the 37-year-old paid off when the 22-year-old suspect was chased down with help from members of the public who responded to the victim’s scream.
Shah Alam police chief Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said police received a report about the dramatic episode from the mother of two who worked as a factory operator at 10.57pm.
He said in the incident, the victim had gone to the supermarket in Section 23, here, alone to shop for maternity items for the birth of her third child.
“While the victim was in the toilet, she realised that someone snatched her backpack hung on the cubicle door.
“The victim scrambled out of the toilet to pursue the suspect and her cries for help harnessed the crowd around to stop the frantic thief who was caught red-handed with the victim’s bag,” he said here today.
He said the expectant mother was fortunately unharmed as she was close to labour. She was safely tucked in at the Shah Alam Hospital waiting for the first cry of her newborn.
Iqbal said the theft suspect who works at a water filter company has four records related to crime and drugs.
“The suspect is now remanded for three days (until May 2) and investigated under Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft which can lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine if convicted,” he said.
People with more information about the incident are urged to contact the assistant investigating officer, Muhammad Fairunizam Puasa, at 013-6616845. – April 30, 2024