Police in Singapore have arrested three Filipino women who allegedly work as a team of pickpockets who target unsuspecting shoppers in the city-state’s shopping district.
According to TODAY, victims have reported three separate incidents of theft of items such as wallets and a mobile phone were stolen from their bags at malls along Orchard Road on Dec. 21.
Authorities identified and arrested the three Filipino women on Friday.
Three mobile phones, an EZ-Link Card, one internet banking dongle and cash amounting to S$1,117.20 were recovered and seized as case exhibits.
The trio employed modus operandi of distracting the victims before stealing their valuables, the police said in a statement on Saturday. They are also believed to be involved in several other cases of pickpocketing.
The three women will be charged in court on Saturday. If convicted, they may be jailed up to three years or fined, or both.
“The Police would like to remind members of the public to be vigilant of their surroundings and to safeguard their belongings in crowded places, especially during this festive season,” the police said.