Police arrest two serial snatch thieves

[Tadakatsu Honda]

Police arrest two serial snatch thieves

AsiaOne
Friday, Nov 30, 2012

SINGAPORE - Police arrested two men, aged between 20 and 21, who are believed to be responsible for several cases of snatch theft in the vicinity of Aljunied Road and Macpherson Road.

The 20-year old suspect is also believed to have stolen a motorcycle and used it as a getaway vehicle to commit the snatch thefts.

Between November 19 and 20, 2012, three cases of snatch theft committed by two male subjects riding on a motorcycle in the vicinity of Aljunied Road and Macpherson Road were reported to the Police.

In all these cases, the culprits had targeted lone female victims for their handbags and mobile phones and made their escape on the motorcycle.

Following these reports, officers from Bedok and Tanglin Police Divisions managed to recover the getaway motorcycle used to commit the snatch thefts and established the identity of the 20-year old suspect.

Several ambush operations were subsequently laid to apprehend him.

On November 29, at about 5.30pm, he was spotted along Victoria Street and placed under arrest.

Following that, his accomplice was swiftly arrested at the vicinity of Circuit Road on the next day at about 1.15 am.

The two suspects will be charged in Court on Saturday, December 1 for an offence of snatch theft read with common intention.

If convicted, they face a minimum imprisonment term of 1 year and a maximum term of 7 years and shall also be liable to caning.

In addition, the 20-year suspect will be charged for an offence of theft of motor vehicle, which carries an imprisonment term of up to 7 years and shall also be liable to fine.

Commander of Bedok Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police How Kwang Hwee commended the officers for their relentless efforts and strong determination in bringing the perpetuators to justice.

He added that such blatant crimes against vulnerable victims will never be tolerated and the Police will spare no effort to hunt these offenders down.

He also advised members of public to refrain from carrying excessive cash or jewellery when they are alone in secluded areas, and be wary of suspicious persons following them.

If they encounter a similar incident, they should remain calm when confronted; take note of the physical appearance and distinctive features of the perpetrator(s); the registration number of the getaway vehicle, and call the Police as soon as possible.

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