The Police have arrested seven men and three women, aged 20 to 32, for their suspected involvement in a series of shop theft cases along Orchard Road and HarbourFront Walk.
On 16 October 2023, the Police were alerted to a case of attempted theft along Orchard Road. Through extensive ground enquiries and with the aid of images from Police cameras and CCTV footage, officers from Tanglin and Clementi Police Division established the identities of the ten persons involved.
An operation was conducted on 30 October 2023 and the ten persons were arrested for theft in dwelling with common intention in four additional cases of shop theft. More than 90 pieces of clothing that were believed to be stolen were recovered. The total value of the items that were stolen by the ten persons was about $6,800.
Five men and three women will be charged in court on 1 November 2023 for Theft in Dwelling with Common Intention under Section 380 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code 1871 and Attempting to Commit Theft in Dwelling with Common Intention under Section 380 read with Section 34 and Section 512 of the Penal Code 1871. The offences carry an imprisonment term that may extend to seven years and a fine.
The Police have zero tolerance against such syndicated acts of crime and will spare no effort to apprehend such offenders and offenders will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law.
The Police would also like to remind retailers to remain vigilant against shop thieves. 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.
Photo of seized exhibits
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
31 October 2023 @ 8:35 PM