The Police arrested a 69-year-old man on 18 April 2017 for an offence of Public Nuisance under the Penal Code after he left suspicious white substance at Woodleigh MRT station, triggering a temporary closure of the MRT station for about 3 hours. Although the substance was subsequently established to be baking flour, the incident had caused public alarm and inconvenience to members of the public due to the temporary closure of the MRT station. Investigations into the incident are ongoing. The Police are also aware that there are “hash run” groups locally that may use items like toilet paper, chalk or flour to mark out the running trails, which may be within nature reserves, parks or in public places elsewhere.
The Police and the National Parks Board would like to jointly remind members of the public to adhere to the following advisory while going about their activities in the parks, nature reserves or any public places:
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The Police treat all security threats seriously and will not hesitate to take action against anyone who causes public alarm;
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The Police would also like to remind the public to report any suspicious items or behaviour to the transport authorities or the Police immediately;
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Do not leave bags or other personal items unattended in public places;
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When in doubt, always clarify with the relevant authorities;
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Running and event organisers are reminded to write in to NParks before conducting their activities in NParks-managed areas;
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Powdery substances such as chalk or flour should not be used as markings;
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All markings should be removed or cleaned up immediately after the event; and
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Enforcement actions could be taken if the markings are not removed or cleaned up.
If you wish to provide any crime-related information, please call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. Dial ‘999’ if you require urgent Police assistance. For enquiries on the parks, gardens and nature reserves, please contact National Parks Board at 1800-4717300 or email NPARKS_Public_Affairs@nparks.gov.sg.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
09 May 2017 @ 4:45 PM