Updated: 10/31/2013 21:20 | By Channel NewsAsia
3 arrested for break-ins at residential estates, 2 accomplices also nabbed
SINGAPORE: Police have arrested three men, aged between 24 and 28, who are believed to be responsible for at least three cases of break-ins at private residential estates.
Another two female accomplices, both aged 24, were also arrested for suspected involvement in dishonestly receiving stolen property.
The three cases of break-ins were reported at private residential estates near Lorong Sarhad and Springwood late Sunday evening.
Cash, jewellery and luxury watches amounting to more than S$110,000 were reported stolen.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had gained access into the private residential units by scaling over the boundary wall and climbing in through unsecured rear doors or windows.
Following the reports, officers from Clementi Police Division stepped up patrols in the areas.
Meanwhile, crime analysts studied the three cases to trace the perpetrators, while investigation officers combed the areas to conduct ground enquiries.
With the aid of CCTV footage obtained from the crime scenes and information from enquiries, officers from Clementi Police Division and the Police Intelligence Department mounted an operation and arrested the three male suspects in the vicinity of New Bridge Road, ending the 10-hour operation that started on October 29 and ended in the early morning of October 30.
The suspects' two accomplices were arrested in the vicinity of Clementi Avenue 5 on October 30.
Besides recovering some S$600 cash, an assortment of jewellery and 15 watches of various brands, police also seized three screwdrivers, two chisels, eight pairs of gloves, one haversack and one bag from the suspects.
The male suspects will be charged in court with housebreaking and theft.
If convicted, they could be jailed up to 14 years.
Police are investigating the two female suspects.
As the year-end vacation period draws near, Commander of Clementi Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Melvin Yong, has reminded house owners not to be complacent and to adopt various preventive measures to reinforce their homes against thieves. - CNA/ms
