One-year jail terms for purse-snatchers

Dubai: Two bag snatchers who targeted a young woman in Deira have each been jailed for a year after they were chased by their victim.

The young Bulgarian woman, identified as D.T., 21, played a 'police role' for a short time as she followed the duo who tried to snatch her handbag until a police patrol spotted her and caught them.

The Nigerian visitors, 21-year-old A.K. and 24-year-old O.M. have each been jailed for one year after appearing before the Dubai Court of First Instance yesterday.

The patrol spotted the Bulgarian girl "holding onto her purse and daringly chasing the thieves on Deira's streets and calling out for help."

Swift action

Two policemen who were part of the patrol took swift action and arrested the thieves who will be deported after serving their jail terms.

The Public Prosecution charged the duo with attempting to stealing D.T.'s purse. "My friend and I were walking in front of the Al Ghurair Centre when the incident happened around 2.30am. I felt one of the suspects when he tried to snatch my purse from my arm. I held on to my purse and when the thieves tried to run away I chased them for a short distance. Then a police patrol intervened and arrested the suspects," said the victim before the Public Prosecution.

Her compatriot friend confirmed what happened.

The two accused confessed to their charges.