The Police have arrested a 32-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a series of thefts of batteries from fire alarm panels at various public housing estates.
Between March 2017 and October 2017, the Police received several reports of theft of batteries from fire alarm panels from multi-storey car parks of public housing estates. The suspect had deactivated the alarm trigger by inserting a capacitor into the alarm panels before he stole the batteries. Upon receipt of the reports, officers from Jurong Police Division and Ang Mo Kio Police Division carried out extensive ground enquiries. With the aid of Police Cameras (POLCAM), the identity of the suspect was established.
On 6 October 2017, the suspect was arrested along Punggol Way. A bag of capacitors, universal keys to fire alarm panels, and some tools were seized.
The suspect will be charged in Court on 7 October 2017 with the offence of Theft under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 years, or with fine, or with both.
Removing the battery from a fire alarm panel will affect the operations of the fire alarm, and jeopardise safety of the public in the event of a fire. The Police will not hesitate to take action against anyone who displays such blatant disregard to the safety and wellbeing of the public.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
07 October 2017 @ 3:35 AM