The Police have arrested five women and one man, aged between 24 to 33, believed to be involved in several cases of theft from person along Orchard Road.
On 22 December 2015 at about 4.03pm, a shopper at a shopping mall along Orchard Road reported that the front pocket of her bag had been unzipped and her handphone was missing.
Upon receiving the report, officers from the Tanglin Division conducted extensive ground enquiries to establish the identities of the suspects. With the aid of CCTV footage, officers arrested the first two women in a hotel at Geylang on 23 December 2015. Through further investigations, three other women and one man were also found staying in the same hotel, and were arrested on the same day. They were found in possession of several handphones, wallets and other items, which are believed to be fraudulently obtained. Investigations revealed that the suspects may be involved in other cases reported along Orchard Road in early November this year.
The suspects will be charged in Court on 24 December 2015 for the offences of Theft under Section 379 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224 and Fraudulent Possession of Property under Sec 35(1) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Chapter 184. If convicted, they face a maximum imprisonment term of 3 years or a fine, or both.
Members of public are advised to safeguard their belongings and be vigilant of their surroundings when shopping during this festive season. They are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
- Be wary of suspicious persons or people following you;
- Avoid exposing cash, valuables, or jewellery in public areas to draw unnecessary attention;
- Avoid placing your wallet in your back pocket. Ensure that your bag is properly secured at all times. Cross-sling your bag in front or clasp it firmly while shopping or walking;
- Keep a close watch on your belongings at all times and do not leave them unattended and if you need to, arrange for someone to look after your belongings; &
- Do not be distracted by strangers creating a commotion, bumping into you or accidentally spilling something onto you. Check your valuables immediately if this happens.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
23 December 2015 @ 8:45 PM