The Police have arrested a two men, both aged 22, for their suspected involvement in two separate cases of loanshark harassment.
In the first case, on 12 December 2018 at about 4.40pm, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment where the gate of a residential unit at Blk 505 Jelapang Road was secured with a bicycle lock. A piece of debtor note was also placed on the door. Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Jurong Police Division established the identity of the suspect and arrested him along Yishun Street 21 on 20 December 2018. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is also believed to be involved in other cases of loanshark harassment reported islandwide.
In the second case, on 19 December 2018 at about 8.45am, the Police received a report of loanshark harassment where the gate of a residential unit at Blk 440C Clementi Avenue 3 was secured with a bicycle lock. Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from CCTVs, officers from Clementi Police Division established the identity of the suspect and arrested him along Hougang Ave 5 on 20 December 2018. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is believed to have carried out similar acts of harassment in the vicinity of Clementi, Jurong East, and Hougang housing estates.
Both men will be charged in court on 22 December 2018 under the Moneylenders Act 2010 (Revised Edition). Under the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition 2010), first time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment shall be fined not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000 with mandatory imprisonment of up to 5 years and mandatory caning of up to 6 strokes.
The Police take a zero tolerance approach towards loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, and cause annoyance and disruptions to public safety will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law.
Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not work with or assist the loansharks in any way. The public can call the Police at ‘999’ or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664 if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in illegal loansharking activities.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
21 December 2018 @ 8:00 PM