Updated: 09/04/2014 23:33 | By Channel NewsAsia
'Customers' who allegedly stole from shopkeepers nabbed
SINGAPORE: Police have arrested two men suspected of being involved in at least three cases of theft across the island. The suspects are aged 51 and 55.
A news release from the Singapore Police Force on Thursday (Sep 4) said since June, police have received several reports of bags being stolen from store owners, while at least two male customers were in their shops. The modus operandi of the thieves would be as such - one would ask questions, while the other would appear to look around the shop. The victims would only discover they had items stolen, after both men left without purchasing anything.
Officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division established the identities of the two men earlier, but both suspects "remained elusive" according to police, and they were finally arrested near the Woodlands Checkpoint on Wednesday.
The two are believed to have been involved in a case of theft in Chong Pang, Yishun that same day. A female shopkeeper had her purse nicked as she attended to the men. The stolen cash was later recovered from the men.
The suspects will be charged in court on Friday. They face up to three years' jail, if found guilty of theft.
- CNA/ly
