Group of five arrested for theft
By Grace Chua
The Straits Times
Sunday, Apr 21, 2013
On Thursday, a woman was on an escalator at the mall, when the members of the group allegedly dropped something in front of her and bumped into her in order to steal an envelope containing $2,000 from her handbag.
Get the full story from The Straits Times.
Here is the full statement from the Singapore Police Force:
Police have arrested 4 males and 1 female, aged between 38 and 60, for a case of Theft from Person at a shopping mall along Upper Cross Street.
On 18 April 2013, the female victim reported that her envelope containing $2000/- cash was missing from her handbag. According to her, while she was travelling on the escalator, a group of people distracted her by dropping an object in front of her. She also felt people knocking into her. She later realised that her envelope was missing. Following the report, officers from both the Central Police Division and Tanglin Police Division conducted extensive follow-up investigations, resulting in the arrest of the five suspects along Syed Alwi Rd on 20 April 2013. Cash of $1507.90 has been recovered from the suspects. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are believed to be involved in other similar theft cases.
These five suspects will be charged in Court on 22 April 2013 for Theft with Common Intention under Section 379 read with 34 of the Penal Code Chapter 224, which carries a maximum jail term of three years imprisonment, or a fine, or both.
Commander of Central Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Daniel Tan commended the officers for their good investigative work and excellent teamwork which led to the arrest of the suspects. He also advised members of public to be mindful of their valuables to prevent theft and pickpocketing. Culprits are known to steal exposed items such as handphones and wallets from bags and unzipping or slitting the bags of unsuspecting victims. At times, they may have accomplices who would help to distract or block the view of the victim to facilitate the theft. Some culprits deliberately bump or jostle into an unsuspecting victim in a crowd and commit theft in the process. Members of the public are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures to safeguard their belongings:
a) Avoid exposing cash, valuables, or jewellery in public areas as this might draw unnecessary attention;
b) Avoid placing your wallet in your back pocket. Ensure that your bag is properly secured at all times. Cross-sling it in front or clasp it firmly while shopping or walking;
c) Never leave your valuables unattended on trolleys or strollers while shopping. Unattended valuables pose easy targets to would-be culprits;
d) While having meals, never use valuables such as handphones to reserve seats. Arrange for someone to look after your valuables while ordering food;
e) Do not be distracted by strangers creating a commotion, bumping into you or accidentally spilling something onto you. Check your valuables immediately if this happens;and,
f) Do not adorn your children with excessive gold jewellery as they are easy targets for potential criminals.
