Kozhikode: The Pantheerankavu police here on Thursday arrested a woman who allegedly attempted to steal a gold chain from a jewellery store. The timely intervention of the staff and nearby residents foiled her attempt to escape with the ornament. The accused is Thadayil Soudabi (47), a resident of Padiyangad, Poovattuparamba.

According to the police, Soudabi visited Souparnika Jewellery in Pantheerankavu on Thursday morning and attempted to steal a gold chain after spraying a liquid at the salesman.

She approached the staff as a customer looking to buy an 8-gram gold chain. When the salesman went to the strong room to fetch the ornament, she followed him and tried to spray a chemical on his face. However, the staffer quickly shielded himself with a jewellery tray and prevented her from fleeing.

Though she managed to run out of the store initially, the staff raised an alarm, alerting people nearby. Bystanders blocked her path and informed the police.

TV visuals showed the 47-year-old woman sitting on the ground outside a store near Pantheerankavu, her legs bound and surrounded by people taking photos and videos.

In the video, she can be heard saying she will not do anything and asking for her shawl while attempting to untie the ropes around her ankles.

Sub-Inspectors Firose, Maheesh, and Jain, along with Civil Police Officers Princy and Anjusha, nabbed the accused. In her statement to the police, Soudabi confessed to the crime and claimed she attempted the theft to settle her financial liabilities.