Man arrested for breaking into 20 flats; most of the flats were unlocked
By Tham Yuen-c
The Straits Times
Monday, May 27, 2013
A 19-year-old man, who broke into some 20 flats in May by just opening unlocked doors of many of the units, was arrested by the police on Sunday after a month-long crime spree. The man, also wanted by the Singapore Armed Forces for not enlisting in National Service, was nabbed at Bendemeer Road where he lives.
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Here is the press statement from the Singapore Police Force:
SINGAPORE - Police have arrested a 19-year-old Singaporean man on May 26, 2013 for committing break-ins at HDB housing estates and recovered loot from the crimes.
Since the beginning of May 2013, a number of break-ins were reported at HDB housing estates at Toa Payoh, Bishan and Whampoa. The victims would usually discover their units broken into and ransacked after returning from work or upon waking up in the morning. On-scene investigations revealed that the culprit gained entry either through unsecured doors or windows or forced open aluminium window grilles along common corridors.
A task force comprising officers from the various branches of Tanglin Police Division was set up to apprehend the culprit. Extensive enquires were conducted and daily ambushes were mounted at locations where the culprit was likely to strike. A lead was obtained from CCTV footage showing the man at one of the affected blocks at Toa Payoh. Through follow-up investigations, the identity of the man was established. Several ambushes were mounted and the man was finally arrested at Bendemeer Road. The suspect subsequently led Police to recover of some of the loot from the crimes.
Preliminary investigations indicate that he 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 offence caries a jail term of not less than 2 years and not more than 14 years imprisonment.
Commander of Tanglin Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Lu Yeow Lim commended the officers for their excellent coordination, hard work and perseverance resulting in the arrest of the suspect.
The Police would like to advise all home occupants to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
a) Ensure that all doors, windows and other openings are well secured with good quality grilles and close-shackled padlocks;
b) Secure all doors and window grills before retiring to bed or when leaving your home unattended, even for a short while;
c) All cash, jewelleries and valuable items should be kept in a bank or in a good quality safe that is anchored to the wall/floor to prevent the safe from being carted away;
d) If going away for a prolonged period, suspend the newspaper subscription and arrange for someone to clear mails and check on your home regularly.
The community can also play a part in fighting crime with their active participation in Neighbourhood Watch Groups (NWGs) or Citizen-On-Patrol (COP) initiatives within the Neighbourhood and alert the Police immediately when they come across a crime in progress. It is important for the public to remember that low crime does not mean no crime, and everyone has a role to play to fight crime and safeguard their properties.
