SINGAPORE- Two members of the public helped the police to arrest a 48-year-old armed robbery suspect on Saturday (Feb 20).

A 51-year-old woman was walking along Jurong West Street 65 at about 1.55 pm on Saturday (Feb 20) when the man, who was believed to be armed with a paper cutter, took her handbag containing cash and valuables amounting to about $810.

Mr Li Hong Yi and Mr Yu Yin Soon heard the victim shouting for help and managed to detain the suspect after a chase.

The police then arrested the suspect after being alerted of the incident.

The suspect will be charged in Court on Monday (Feb 22) with an offence of armed robbery, which carries jail of up to 14 years and up to 12 strokes of the cane.

Commander of Jurong Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Koh Wei Keong, commended the two members of the public for their help.

"This case illustrates the close partnership between the police and the community in fighting crime. Mr Li and Mr Yu have played an important role in the arrest, and their selflessness and public-spiritedness are indeed commendable," he said.

In a press release on Sunday (Feb 21), the police also reminded members of public to adopt the following crime prevention measures:

- Avoid wearing excessive jewellery or carrying large amounts of cash or valuables;

- Avoid dark, quiet and secluded places

- Be alert of your surroundings at all times

- Remain calm when confronted and take note of the suspect's appearance, clothing, height and other physical descriptions.

- Take note of the suspect's direction and mode of escape. Call '999' as soon as it is safe to do so.