KUALA LUMPUR: A foreign woman was arrested after attempting to snatch a necklace worn by a devotee who had come to the Batu Caves temple for the Thaipusam celebrations yesterday.
In the incident at about 5pm which occured close to the main road near the temple, the victim, a 64-year-old woman was walking with her two grandchildren aged 17 and 15.
Gombak district police chief Assistant Commissioner Noor Ariffin Mohamad Nasir said it is believed that the woman had shoved the victim and tried to snatch her necklace.
"At the time of the incident, a member of the public witnessed the suspect and the witness screamed, causing the suspect to release the necklace but the chain broke and fell onto the road.
"The 45-year-old suspect tried to escape but was arrested with the help of the public before being handed over to the police," he said in a statement today.
Noor Ariffin said police will apply for remand in the Selayang magistrate's court today for the purpose of further investigation in accordance with Section 393 of the Penal Code.
In the meantime, he urged those who witnessed the incident to come forward to help the police investigation.
"Information can be channeled to the investigating officer Inspector Yap Chin Chua at 019-996 9469 or the Gombak district police headquarters Operations Room at 03-61262222.
"We advise the public to be more careful and vigilant in keeping their property safe while visiting and celebrating Thaipusam at the Batu Caves Temple," he said.