A MAN who preyed on innocent victims in various churches all over Singapore by stealing their handbags was given five years' corrective training on Thursday.
Michael Neo Eng Keong, 30, a repeat offender, committed 15 thefts and one of fraudulent possession between June and September. The total involved was $6,609.
He admitted to six counts of theft while the victims were either praying, ushering or helping in fund-raising activities at their respective churches.
A Community Court heard that the unemployed chose churches as they were 'easy targets', given that most people would leave their bags unattended.
After the crimes, he would remove the cash and mobile phones before discarding the remaining items. He would sell the cellphones at Sungei Road and use the proceeds and stolen cash for his daily expenses.
Neo, who has similar previous convictions, was found suitable for preventive detention and corrective training.
Michael Neo Eng Keong, 30, a repeat offender, committed 15 thefts and one of fraudulent possession between June and September. The total involved was $6,609.
He admitted to six counts of theft while the victims were either praying, ushering or helping in fund-raising activities at their respective churches.
A Community Court heard that the unemployed chose churches as they were 'easy targets', given that most people would leave their bags unattended.
After the crimes, he would remove the cash and mobile phones before discarding the remaining items. He would sell the cellphones at Sungei Road and use the proceeds and stolen cash for his daily expenses.
Neo, who has similar previous convictions, was found suitable for preventive detention and corrective training.
