Police arrest snatch thief at Bukit Batok Central
Asia OneTuesday, Dec 30, 2014
<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_tiyYs-AkBU?rel=0&showinfo=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>
SINGAPORE - Police have arrested a 37-year-old man suspected to be involved in a case of snatch theft in the vicinity of Bukit Batok Central Link.
On Dec 26, 2014 at about 3.15 pm, an elderly male victim sitting at a bench in the vicinity of Bukit Batok Central Link was suddenly approached by an unknown man who snatched his handphone before fleeing.
Upon receiving the report, officers from the Jurong Police Division managed to establish the identity of the suspect by reviewing footage obtained from closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the area and conducting ground enquiries.
On Dec 29, 2014 at about 11.30 pm, the suspect was arrested at the vicinity of Bukit Batok East Ave 3, with the victim's mobile phone found in his possession.
The suspect will be charged in Court on Dec 31, 2014 for Using Criminal Force to commit Theft under Section 356 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224 which is punishable with imprisonment for a term of no less than one year and not more than 7 years and caning.
The police would like to remind members of public to adopt the following measures to avoid falling victim to snatch theft:
· Avoid taking shortcuts through dark alleys or secluded areas.
· Always be alert and attentive to your surroundings. If you suspect that you are being followed, remain calm and proceed to a more crowded area or call the police to seek help.
· Avoid wearing excessive jewellery or carrying large sums of cash.
· When walking, clutch your handbag tightly under your arm and its strap slung across the body. This is especially necessary when moving around in crowded places like shopping centres and markets.
· When on the streets, carry your handbag on the side that is away from moving traffic. There have been instances where snatch thieves used motorcycles or other vehicles to snatch away the victim's handbag while riding by.
· When returning home alone or late at night, arrange for someone to escort you home.
· Carry a shrill alarm with you and use it to scare off the culprit or to attract the attention of other members of public.
[email protected]
