On 1 December 2023, Ng Chi Chiu (“Ng”), a 36-year-old man, was convicted and sentenced to a total of eight months’ imprisonment for the following offences:
- One charge of theft in dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code 1871; and
- Two amalgamated charges of theft in dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code 1871 read with Section 124(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code 2010.
Another two charges of theft in dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code 1871 were also taken into consideration for the purposes of sentencing.
The Police received a report on 12 May 2023 about a series of theft from three Apple outlets between 16 January 2023 and 17 April 2023. Investigations revealed that the man had stolen multiple Apple products amounting to about $17,660 from those outlets.
Further investigations revealed that on 17 March 2023, the man had also stolen bottles of perfumes amounting to $593 from the Shilla Duty Free shop located at Changi Airport Terminal 3 Departure Transit Central.
Through extensive ground enquiries and close collaboration between Jurong Police Division and Airport Police Division, the identity of Ng was established. He was arrested on 25 October 2023 and charged in court on 27 October 2023.
The Police take a serious view of shop theft cases and offenders will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law. The Police will continue to work closely with stakeholders and the community to prevent and deter cases of shop theft. The Police would also like to remind retailers to remain vigilant against shop thieves, especially when large crowds are expected. Retailers are advised to adopt the following measures:
- Ensure a good line of sight for displays by using an appropriate shop layout;
- Display advisory posters or signage against shop theft;
- Display expensive merchandise in locked showcases or at prominent locations (e.g. near cashier counters);
- Install CCTVs with recording system at the entrance/exit of the store to capture the facial features of shoppers; and
- Deploy adequate security personnel to patrol the premises in luminous vests for deterrence.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
01 December 2023 @ 5:00 PM