Police arrest 2 for separate cases of serial housebreaking
AsiaOne
Wednesday, Jul 03, 2013
SINGAPORE - Two men, aged 17 and 36, have been arrested in relation two separate series of housebreaking cases.
In the first series, the 17-year-old is believed to have committed at least 4 housebreaking cases in the Jurong West public housing estate.
From early June, victims had discovered that their electronic devices or valuables went missing from their residential units. In these cases, the victims had left their valuables within reach from the common corridor and had left their main corridor window open.
The suspect was arrested on July 2 at his residence in Jurong West. Some of the stolen items were recovered and seized.
In the second series, the 36-year-old suspect is believed to have broke into at least 4 houses at Tai Thong Crescent, Tessensohn Road, Serangoon North Ave 1 and Bukit Batok Central from June 17-30.
On June 17, a 53-year-old male victim reported that an unknown man was seen fleeing from a two-storey shop house located at Tai Thong Crescent. Investigations revealed that the suspect had gained entry to the unit by breaking the lock at the glass door and had escaped with cash amounting to $600.
On June 30, a similar break-in was reported at Tessensohn Road. The incident was captured on surveillance cameras there.
On July 2, officers from Tanglin Police Division mounted an operation and the suspect was arrested at Bukit Batok Street 21.
Police found cash amounting to $311 and another $170 in Brunei currency on him. The Brunei currency was part of the loot from the crimes. Subsequent investigations revealed that the suspect is also believed to be involved in other break-ins at Serangoon North Ave 1 and Bukit Batok Central.
Both suspects will be charged on July 4.
The 17-year-old youth will be charged for Housebreaking and Theft by Day. If convicted, he may be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment.
The 36-year-old suspect will be charged for Housebreaking and Theft by Night. If convicted, he may be sentenced up to 14 years' imprisonment.
