12 arrested for theft and cheating at John Little Mega Expo Sale
Walter Sim
The Straits Times
Monday, Nov 18, 2013
The discounts were not enough for 12 people who were arrested for suspected shop theft and cheating, over the first four days of the John Little Mega Expo Sale.
Get the full story from The Straits Times.
Here is the full statement from the police:
12 ARRESTED OVER 4 DAYS AT SALES EVENT ALONG EXPO DRIVE
Between 14 November 2013 and 17 November 2013, Police have arrested a total of 12 persons (7 men and 5 women, aged 17 to 60) involved in 6 separate cases of Shop Theft and 2 cases of Cheating in the first 4 days of an 11-day departmental store sales event held at a convention centre along Expo Drive.
The items taken in the Shop Theft cases include clothing, footwear and other household items. The two cases of Cheating involved the switching of price tags of items to a lower price tag before payment was made at the counters.
Those convicted of Shop Theft, under Section 380 of the Penal Code, are liable to be punished with a jail term of up to 7 years and a fine. Those convicted of Cheating, under Section 420 of the Penal Code, are liable to a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.
The Police warn that Shop Theft and Cheating are serious crimes. Offenders face arrest and severe consequences under the law. The event organisers have taken measures against theft and cheating by deploying security personnel and plain-clothes in-house detectives.
Besides placing signage at the event to remind shoppers that Shop Theft is a crime, Police will continue to work closely with retailers to curb Shop Theft. Retail outlets are urged to be vigilant against Shop Theft and adopt the following preventive measures:
a) Display expensive items in locked display shelves which are only accessible by the staff;
b) Avoid displaying expensive items near the store's entry and exit points. They should be placed at strategic locations where they can be monitored by staff or placed under CCTV surveillance. Use empty packaging for expensive items;
c) Enhance the store's security system by installing CCTVs and convex mirrors. Ensure that the cameras are in good working condition;
d) Use an electronic tagging system;
e) Display advisory signage or warnings against shop theft; and
f) Advise all staff to be observant and vigilant.
