Police have arrested a 59-year-old suspect believed to be responsible for a spate of theft cases in a supermarket along Telok Blangah Road. The thief mostly targeted victims who left their valuables on the supermarket trolley unattended, said a police statement on Friday.

On April 14, a victim reported her handbag missing after she had placed it on the supermarket trolley unattended while shopping. The stolen items amounted to $2,600. Bukit Merah West Neighbourhood Police Centre investigated the report and identified the suspect who was arrested on April 25 near Temple Street.

The suspect admitted to committing another case of theft earlier in the morning at the same supermarket. Cash amounting to $240, two EZ-link cards and a pen were seized. The suspect is believed to be responsible for five other similar cases islandwide.

He will be charged in court for theft, which carries a maximum punishment of three years imprisonment and a fine.Members of the public are advised not to expose their cash, valuables or jewellery in public, and to call the police immediately if they see anyone or anything suspicious.