Two passers-by who chased and pinned down a suspect in a gold chain theft in Chinatown were lauded by the police on Friday.

The commander of the Central Police Division Daniel Tan praised the duo for their alertness and public spiritedness, which led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of more than $48,000 worth of gold chains.

The alleged theft took place at 1.54pm in a jewellery shop at New Bridge Road on Thursday. The suspect, 52, had entered the shop and asked to view gold chains. When a shop worker showed the suspect four gold chains placed in a tray, he grabbed the chains and ran off with the staff giving chase.

The commotion attracted the attention of the two passers-by, who acted immediately and helped to detain the 52-year-old. Officers from Central Police Division arrived soon after and arrested the suspect. The four gold chains were also recovered. The suspect faces a charge of theft in dwelling and could be jailed up to seven years and fined. The police did not name the suspect or passers-by in their statement.