Caught on camera: Audacious thief targeting women as they pray in a mosque

An audacious thief was caught on camera trying to steal ladies’ handbags while they prayed in a mosque.

CCTV footage shows the black-clad thief leaning over a row of women performing devotions at a mosque as he tries to steal one elderly lady’s handbag containing thousands in cash.

On his first attempt the heartless man is foiled as his would-be victim inadvertantly shields her possessions from him as she leans forward in the “sujud” position to pray at the mosque in the city of Kota Bharu in the north-western Malaysian state of Kelantan.

The thief tiptoes away and returns to the devotees to select a different victim.

And after the women have kneeled up and then bowed forward again, he snatches a bag and runs for the door.

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Although the alarm was raised, the thief is reported to have successfully fled with the bag, which the 74-year-old victim claimed contained 20,000 Malaysian Ringgit (£3,655) as well as some jewellery.

Imam Muhamad Lokman Zakaria told local media: “The woman, being elderly and frail, was praying while seated. She had placed her bag under the chair, thinking that it was secure.”

He added: “She however, realised that someone had pulled her bag away. She managed to grab hold of the thief’s hand before yelling for help.

“Her plea for help was heard by several men, who paused their prayers to chase the thief but were unsuccessful.”

Advising worshippers not to bring valuables to mosque with them, the imam said: “What I am disappointed with most is that such a thing is happening in our place of worship, whereas other places of worship do not face this problem.”

The elderly victim, who did not want to be named, said: “This is fated, and there’s a blessing behind it. This episode however has not hampered my resolve to come to the mosque, only next time, I won’t be bringing a bag.”