A primary school went into lockdown after a woman fleeing the police jumped over a gate and into its grounds.
The incident took place at about 15:00 BST on Thursday, at St Margaret's Primary School in Bolton Lane, Ipswich, after an officer spotted two people wanted by police.
The woman, 30, was arrested shortly after she entered the school grounds. She was with a man, 37, who was arrested nearby, said Suffolk Police.
The school's headteacher, Hannah McCann, said all children were kept safe throughout and she was "grateful to staff for their swift, professional actions".
A police spokesperson said: "A 30-year-old woman made off on foot and jumped over a gate into the grounds of the school.
"She then climbed a wall prior to coming down and being arrested by police on suspicion of two incidents of theft from a shop and failing to appear at court."
The man had been stopped nearby and arrested on suspicion of four incidents of theft from a shop, one incident of theft of mail and two offences of failing to appear at court.
Neither person had contact with pupils and officers were present throughout the incident, the force said.
A school spokesperson said it had "enacted a lockdown procedure at the end of the school day… in line with safeguarding policy".
McCann added: "Our priority is always the safety of the children. I am proud of how calmly they responded and grateful to staff for their swift, professional actions."
Children who were affected by the event were offered reassurance and support.
The man and woman were taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and released on bail.
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