A THIEF who stole a woman's handbag was caught by an off-duty police officer while making a getaway.

The 24-year-old woman was in the toilet in Somerset MRT station on Wednesday evening, when she noticed a hand reach into her cubicle and grabbed her handbag from the hook of the cubicle's door.

She rushed out and chased the suspect, crying out for help.

The commotion caught the attention of off-duty Sergeant Muhd Rizal who joined in the chase.

The Seargent called for back-up and with the help of officers from the Tanglin Police Division, managed to detain the suspect at Grange Road.

The victim's handbag containing cash, a handphone and other personal belongings, amounting to about $600, was recovered.

The suspect will be charged on Friday for theft which carries a maximum jail term of three years, or fine or both.

He will also be charged for criminal trespass, which carries a jail term of up to three months, or a maximum fine of $1,500 or both.