POLICE arrested a man believed to have stolen handbags from shoppers at a supermarket at Plaza Singapura on Wednesday.

After numerous stakeouts at the supermarket, police officers spotted the suspect about 4.30pm and kept a close watch.

At about 5.15 pm, the suspect was seen taking a woman's handbag from her shopping cart and trying to make a quick exit.

The cops moved in and arrested him. The stolen handbag, together its contents worth S$1300, was recovered.

Since April, police have received 11 reports that belongings which shoppers had placed in their shopping carts while at the supermarket were stolen, while they were busy shopping.

Commander of Tanglin Police Division, Superintendent Paul Lim, commended his officers for their perseverance and good work.

He added: 'With the Great Singapore Sale going on, we would like to remind shoppers to keep an eye on their belongings. Shoppers should not make themselves easy targets for thieves by leaving their belongings unguarded in the trolleys while out shopping for groceries.'

The 43-year-old suspect will be charged in court later on Thursday.