The Police have arrested 2 men and 4 women, aged between 27 and 35, for their suspected involvement in a series of shop theft at Plaza Singapura and City Square Mall.
In 16 September 2018, the Police received a report from a retailer at Plaza Singapura that items had been stolen from a store. Through ground enquiries and follow-up investigations, officers from the Tanglin Police Division established the identities of the suspects and arrested them on 18 September 2018 at Changi Airport.
More than 137 items, including branded apparels, that are believed to have been stolen, were recovered. The items had an estimated total value of about S$700/-. Preliminary investigations revealed that the six suspects belonged to a foreign crime syndicate and had targeted stores at Plaza Singapura and City Square Mall.
Five of the suspects will be charged in court on 20 September 2018 with theft in dwelling with common intention under Section 380 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. If convicted, they are liable to be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 7 years and shall also be liable to a fine. The sixth suspect will be charged in court on 20 September 2018 with fraudulent possession of property under Section 35(1) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Chapter 184. If convicted, he is liable to a fine not exceeding $3000/- or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both.
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 the 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 (eg. 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 increased visual deterrence effect.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
19 September 2018 @ 4:45 PM