SINGAPORE - Two women and a man have been arrested over a spate of thefts from clothing shops which began in June.

Police said on Tuesday that more than 400 items were stolen - including branded jackets, cardigans, dresses and trousers - worth more than $20,000 in total.

The alleged thefts took place at shops in Orchard Road, Habourfront Walk and Raffles Boulevard.

Officers from Tanglin Police Division said they received several reports of shop thefts and established the identities of the suspects based on "extensive enquiries and follow-up".

The trio, aged 30 to 31, were arrested on Monday and will be charged in court on Wednesday.

If convicted, they face up to seven years' jail and a fine for each count of theft.

Police advised retailers to take anti-theft measures such as locking expensive items in display shelves, avoid displaying them near entry or exit points and installing CCTV cameras and convex mirrors.