The Police have arrested two men aged 19 and 20 for their suspected involvement in two separate cases of theft reported at Public Entertainment (PE) outlets along River Valley Road.
In the first case, on 4 February 2017 at 4.35am, the Police received a report from a female victim, informing that her mobile phone was missing from her pocket after an unknown man bumped into her at the dance floor of a PE outlet along River Valley Road. Through extensive investigations, officers from Tanglin Division established the identity of the 19-year-old suspect and arrested him on 13 February 2017.
In the second case, on 25 February 2017 at 3.16am, the Police received a report from a male victim, informing that his wallet was missing at the same PE outlet. Preliminary investigations revealed that there were two other victims who reported that they had also lost their mobile phones that night. Through follow up investigations, officers from Tanglin Division subsequently arrested a 20-year-old suspect on the same night.
Investigations against the two suspects are ongoing. Any person found guilty of Theft under Section 379 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 years, or with fine, or with both.
In the first two months of 2017, the Police received 27 reports of theft at PE outlets along River Valley Road. These cases occurred between 12am and 4am. In most cases, victims discovered their mobile phones and wallets stolen from either their rear pockets or sling bags when they were at the dance floor or bar counter. In some cases, valuables were stolen from victims when they were unconscious. Thieves exploit the conditions of low illumination and crowds within PE outlets.
The Police would like to remind patrons of PE outlets to remain vigilant at all times and to adopt the following crime prevention measures to safeguard their valuables from theft:
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Avoid placing valuables in your rear pockets. If you are carrying a handbag, always sling it in front of you and ensure that it is securely fastened at all times;
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Do not leave your belongings unattended and deposit your valuables at locker facilities, if any.
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Immediately check your personal belongings when someone bumps into you; and
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To moderate consumption of alcohol to remain alert and attentive to your surroundings at all times.
If you discover the loss of your belongings while at a PE outlet, promptly alert in-house security, if any, and report it to the Police by calling 999. If you have a suspect in mind, stay calm and take note as much details of the suspect as you possibly can, such as his appearance, attire, height or any other distinctive physical features. Do also take note of the suspect’s direction and mode of escape.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
16 March 2017 @ 4:00 PM