Taking stock of physical crime cases in 2024 and how the Police continue to safeguard every day!
By: Ng Yun Shiean and Mike Tan
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) released its Crime Brief for 2024 today, covering the key physical-crime-related trends for the past year. Here are four things you should know about it!
1. The total number of reported physical crime cases remained stable in 2024
Physical crime cases last year came in at 19,969 compared to 19,966 in 2023 with a notable increase in cases of shop theft and voyeurism.
2. Shop theft constituted the highest proportion of reported cases amongst all the physical crime cases
Cases of shop theft increased to 4,237 cases in 2024 from 3,939 cases in 2023 (an increase of 7.6%), and accounted for 21.2% of total physical crime cases.
Shop theft remains one of the top offences for youths arrested in 2024. Most of these cases occurred at supermarkets, beauty shops, personal care/health and wellness shops. Items typically stolen included personal care products, food, beverages and cosmetics.
The SPF has been actively engaging youths to raise awareness of the consequences of shop theft. Working closely with the Ministry of Education (MOE), the SPF has implemented various initiatives such as conducting school talks at least once a year in all MOE schools and holding targeted youth engagement programmes.
The SPF has also expanded its collaboration with retailers for the Shop Theft Awareness for Retailers (STAR) Programme. As of 31 December 2024, more than 1,000 retail outlets have joined the STAR Programme, demonstrating the commitment among retailers to address shop theft and strengthen their security measures.
3. OM cases decreased in 2024
Cases of OM fell to 1,427 in 2024 compared to 1,528 cases in 2023 (a decrease of 6.6%), and accounted for 7.1% of the total physical crime cases. More than half of the cases involved culprits known to the victims. There was also a decrease in the number of OM cases in public entertainment outlets and on the public transport network.
The SPF will continue to work closely with stakeholders to raise awareness of OM. Ongoing initiatives include the Safe Clubbing Campaign, in which the SPF collaborates with public entertainment sector stakeholders, and the Riders-on-Watch Scheme, where commuters assist as “eyes and ears” on the ground during their daily commute.
4. Voyeurism cases increased in 2024
Cases of voyeurism increased to 519 cases in 2024 compared to 476 cases in 2023 (an increase of 9%) and accounted for 2.6% of total physical crime cases.
Most cases at residential premises (124 cases or 76.5%) were committed by perpetrators known to the victims (such as boyfriends/ex-boyfriends, household members or fellow tenants). Cases at shopping complexes and on the public transport network typically involved perpetrators not known to the victims.
At public transport nodes, the SPF has started initiatives to display advisory messages on voyeurism prominently on floor decals at selected MRT stations. Anti-voyeurism messages are also broadcast at all MRT stations during peak hours. The SPF has also collaborated with the Restroom Association (Singapore) to introduce security design guidelines, enhancing safety in public toilets.
We can all play a part in fighting crime
Members of the public are encouraged to sign up as a Community Watch Scheme member and download the Police@SG mobile app to receive the latest crime information, alerts and advisories from the SPF based on their selected Interest Group.
Annual Crime Brief 2024
To learn more about the Annual Crime Brief 2024, download the Brief and its related infographic.
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