Johor Baru, Malaysia: A Singaporean and a local accomplice, believed responsible for at least 12 snatch-theft cases and six burglaries in the city, were nabbed shortly after their latest heist on Saturday.

The two, who also tested positive for drugs, were arrested at a house in Jalan Hang Jebat 33, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah here.

Nusajaya police chief Superintendent Aziz Ahmad said the 32-year-old Singaporean and his 36-year-old accomplice usually operated in Tampoi and Skudai.

They struck about 3pm at a house in Jalan Silat Cekak 8, Bandar Selesa Jaya, on Saturday where they escaped with RM50 and a mobile phone.

They were caught less than 30 minutes later following a tip-off.

Police also found Allan keys, screw-drivers, pliers and a bunch of motorcycle keys believed to have been used in their break-ins.

Automated teller cards, handbags and other items, believed to have been taken from their victims, were also found.

The two were also using a stolen motorcycle fitted with false number plates.

The duo have been remanded until Thursday to facilitate investigations.

In an unrelated incident, Aziz said police believed they had crippled a prostitution ring with the arrest of four foreign women and two local men on Saturday following three raids in Taman Selesa Jaya.

Acting on a tip-off, three men were arrested at the parking lot of the Bendahara flats in Jalan Silat Gayong 4 about 9pm.

After questioning the three, police raided one of the units in the area and arrested two Chinese and a Thai woman.

It is learnt that the women opened the door for the raiding party, thinking they were clients.

In follow-up investigations, police raided another unit on the same floor and arrested two men and a Chinese woman found hiding in the toilet.

Checks revealed that closed circuit television cameras had been installed outside the unit with the cameras pointing to the car park and the unit where the three women were arrested.