Hysterical daughters calmed by police as parents are handcuffed in dramatic street arrest

Two little girls who were screaming hysterically had to be comforted by police during the dramatic arrest of their parents in Adelaide.

The man and woman, who were wanted over a bag snatch at Unley, were arrested and handcuffed as their children cried out for their mum and dad.

"I want my girls, I want my f***ing girls, I want my girls, please don't!", the woman can be heard shouting as she is taken away.

Three patrol cars swooped on the black Mercedes at midday as it drove along Port Road.

They boxed the car in, then searched every last inch of it.

Police claim the 38-year-old mother was seen stealing a handbag from a table on Unley Road yesterday.

Witnesses say they saw her drive off in a Mercedes.

Her 51-year-old partner was arrested over breaching his bail and driving while disqualified.

Police say the children were taken to Port Adelaide station and entertained by officers before their parents were released on bail.

Witnesses say the arrests could have been handled better.

"There was three police cars, I thought it was a little bit much," one witness, Frank, said.

Another witness, Jess, said "the kids were standing on the side of the road, just screaming."

Knuckle dusters and drugs are believed to have been seized from the car.

The couple will face court at a date to be confirmed.