Announcements at all MRT stations warning against upskirting, molestation to 'heighten awareness': Police
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SINGAPORE — Announcements warning against molestation and taking upskirt photos have been played at all MRT stations during peak hours since April to deter would-be perpetrators, the police said.
The announcement goes: “Molestation and taking upskirt photos are serious offences. Offenders will be handed over to the police.”
In response to queries, a police spokesperson told TODAY on Tuesday (June 4) that the announcements are being played to heighten commuter awareness of these offences and deter would-be perpetrators.
The police did not directly address the question of why the announcements had been introduced at this time, although cases of voyeurism rose last year, with a slight uptick of cases on public transport.
The announcements — in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil — have piqued the interest of commuters, with some taking to social media to discuss whether they are necessary.
In a fuckwarezone forum, a thread titled: "How come MRT station must announce that upskirt is an offence?” surfaced on April 21.
The post questioned whether there was an upward trend in such cases.
One user suggested that it was an indirect way of telling tourists that molestation and taking upskirt photos may occur on the MRT.
The public transport network is also one of the top three locations where voyeurism cases were committed, with 56 cases reported in 2023, compared with 55 in 2022.
The brief also stated that the police will work with public transport stakeholders and the community to enhance public education and deter would-be perpetrators.
Since February 2024, advisory messages on voyeurism have also been displayed prominently on the escalators of selected MRT stations.
“We would like to remind members of the public that molestation and taking of upskirt photos/videos are serious offences,” the police said on Tuesday (June 4).
The penalty for molestation is a jail term of up to three years, with perpetrators also liable to be fined or caned, or both.
As for voyeurism, which includes the taking of upskirt photos and videos, offenders could be jailed for up to two years and be fined or caned, or both.
www.todayonline.com
SINGAPORE — Announcements warning against molestation and taking upskirt photos have been played at all MRT stations during peak hours since April to deter would-be perpetrators, the police said.
The announcement goes: “Molestation and taking upskirt photos are serious offences. Offenders will be handed over to the police.”
In response to queries, a police spokesperson told TODAY on Tuesday (June 4) that the announcements are being played to heighten commuter awareness of these offences and deter would-be perpetrators.
The police did not directly address the question of why the announcements had been introduced at this time, although cases of voyeurism rose last year, with a slight uptick of cases on public transport.
The announcements — in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil — have piqued the interest of commuters, with some taking to social media to discuss whether they are necessary.
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In one TikTok video posted on May 23, the user said it was “legit, so sad” to hear the announcement, as it “speaks volumes about the guys in Singapore”.In a fuckwarezone forum, a thread titled: "How come MRT station must announce that upskirt is an offence?” surfaced on April 21.
The post questioned whether there was an upward trend in such cases.
One user suggested that it was an indirect way of telling tourists that molestation and taking upskirt photos may occur on the MRT.
INCREASE IN VOYEURISM OFFENCES
According to the Annual Crime Brief 2023, reported voyeurism cases increased from 424 cases in 2022 to 476 cases in 2023.The public transport network is also one of the top three locations where voyeurism cases were committed, with 56 cases reported in 2023, compared with 55 in 2022.
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5 months' jail for man, 24, for taking upskirt videos at MRT stations of 10 women
The other two locations are residential premises (151 cases in 2023) and shopping complexes (84 cases in 2023).The brief also stated that the police will work with public transport stakeholders and the community to enhance public education and deter would-be perpetrators.
Since February 2024, advisory messages on voyeurism have also been displayed prominently on the escalators of selected MRT stations.
“We would like to remind members of the public that molestation and taking of upskirt photos/videos are serious offences,” the police said on Tuesday (June 4).
The penalty for molestation is a jail term of up to three years, with perpetrators also liable to be fined or caned, or both.
As for voyeurism, which includes the taking of upskirt photos and videos, offenders could be jailed for up to two years and be fined or caned, or both.
