19-year-old serial housebreaker arrested
POSTED: 27 May 2013 4:32 PM
SINGAPORE: A 19-year-old youth has been arrested for committing a series of break-ins in HDB estates.
The police also recovered loot from the suspect's housebreaking spree.
Since the beginning of May this year, a number of break-ins were reported in HDB estates in Toa Payoh, Bishan and Whampoa.
The police said the culprit gained entry into the flats either through unsecured doors or windows, or by forcing open aluminium window grilles along common corridors.
The victims would usually discover their units broken into and ransacked after returning from work or upon waking up in the morning.
The culprit is believed to have made off with cash of about S$60,000, mobile phones and other valuables.
With the aid of CCTV footage, the police managed to establish the identity of the suspect. He was arrested at Bendemeer Road on May 26.
The suspect is believed to be involved in more than 20 cases of housebreaking and theft at HDB estates in Bishan, Toa Payoh, Whampoa, Bendemeer, Marine Terrace and Tampines.
If found guilty, the suspect could be jailed between two and 14 years.
- CNA/fa
