China detains three foreigners for theft

China has detained three foreign nationals in Beijing on charges of theft, police said Saturday.

The foreigners -- two women and a man -- were detained after they stole items from tourists, Xinhua reported.

Police refused to disclose the suspects' nationality but said they were from an East Asian country.

"They dressed like tourists. But they were looking at others' bags rather than taking pictures," a policeman said.

The suspects stole a wallet from an Australian tourist but were caught by the officers, police said.