He was caught at about 4.30pm on Wednesday near Hougang Street 11. One of the victims' stolen jade pendant valued at $200 was recovered from him.

Since Dec 2007, there has been a spate of snatch thefts involving elderly women in Serangoon, Hougang and Tampines. Jewellery amounting to $8,000 was stolen.

The suspect will be charged on Thursday for snatch theft. If found guilty, he faces a jail term of up to seven years and caned.