As COVID-19 safe management measures were eased in 2022, Singapore registered a slight increase in physical crime.
By: Mike Tan
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) released its annual Crime Report this week. Here are three things you should know about the crime situation in Singapore!
1. Physical Crime Rose Slightly in 2022 but Remained Lower Than Pre-COVID-19 Levels
With the easing of COVID-19 safe management measures in 2022, Singapore saw a slight increase in physical crime. However, this remains lower than pre-COVID-19 figures of 23,980 cases in 2019.
2. There were Five Crimes of Concern in 2022
As the public entertainment scene made a comeback, the number of outrage of modesty cases at nightspots rose to 129 cases in 2022 (from 21 in 2021). Similarly, as more passengers returned to taking public transport, outrage of modesty cases on public transport rose to 178 cases in 2022 (from 163 in 2021).
Meanwhile, voyeurism cases saw a drop to 424 cases in 2022 (from 467 in 2021). The top three places where voyeurism cases occurred were residential premises, the public transport system and shopping complexes.
As for shop theft cases, these rose to 3,244 cases in 2022 (from 2,652 in 2021). Most of these cases occurred at retail chains and shops such as department stores; supermarkets; pharmacies; and mini-marts and convenience stores.
Theft in dwelling cases rose to 1,729 cases in 2022 (from 1,359 in 2021). Significant increases were observed at residential and commercial premises.
Rioting refers to the unlawful assembly of five or more persons in which acts of violence are committed. The offence carries an imprisonment term of up to seven years and caning. Due to the gradual resumption of social activities and the re-opening of nightspots in 2022, rioting cases rose to 60 cases last year (from 46 in 2021). However, this remained lower than the pre-COVID-19 figure of 94 cases in 2019.
3. We Can All Play a Part to Fight Crime!
To recognise our community partners and stakeholders for helping to keep Singapore safe and secure, in 2022, the SPF presented 46 Public Spiritedness Awards and 146 Community Partnership Awards! We’d like to thank the community and our stakeholders for playing their part, and will continue to work with them to keep Singapore safe and secure.
Learn more about the SPF’s:
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