Another season, more cases that highlight how the SPF keeps Singapore safe and secure – go behind the scenes of Crimewatch!
By: Mike Tan
What does it take to shoot an episode of Crimewatch? In January 2025, we followed the shoot for the premiere episode of Crimewatch’s 2025 season, which features a case of housebreaking and theft, with mischief by fire. This episode highlights how officers from Tanglin Police Division pieced clues together to identify and swiftly arrest the offender. Here’s what we saw behind the scenes…
The Real Deal in Toa Payoh
It’s a sweltering afternoon in Toa Payoh Central and the production team is setting up at a narrow walkway dotted with neighbourhood shops. The scenes will show Investigation Officers (IOs) arriving to speak to witnesses about a fire that has broken out at a licensed moneylender shop.
The actual fire in this case also took place in Toa Payoh, with thankfully no residents injured. Crimewatch episodes are shot at authentic venues all over Singapore, bringing a local flavour to the series.
With us this afternoon are two Ground Response Force officers from Toa Payoh Neighbourhood Police Centre as well as a team of firefighters from Bishan Fire Station. Together, these officers represent another unique aspect of Crimewatch production since the series began airing in 1986 – all uniformed officers who appear in episodes are actual officers! Not only do they help to safeguard Singapore in their normal line of duty, they do the same onscreen as well, as One Home Team.
A Night Shoot in Kranji
It’s past midnight on day two and the production team is hard at work in a remote location in rural Kranji. The venue? A small, vacant office that’s being prepped to look like the interior of the licensed moneylender shop.
While Crimewatch episodes are based on actual cases, in the process of reviewing case details, the production team will make certain adaptations for clarity, time and so on. Though it’s pitch black and eerily quiet outside the office, inside, there’s a buzz of activity as crew members put the finishing touches on an office that looks remarkably real.
As this venue lacks electricity, a set of portable generators are needed for the lights and other equipment. Once all the office scenes have been shot, it’s time to light the fire that marks the start of this case. With safety protocols in place, a crew member ignites a spark in the corner of the set – but don’t worry, once the controlled blaze has been captured by the camera, it’s immediately extinguished. Safety first, as always.
Next, the set undergoes an amazing transformation as the crew members recast it to look like it has suffered major fire damage. Taking reference from actual blaze photos, all the surfaces are carefully painted or distressed, then touched up with care. It’s an impressive piece of stagecraft.
Once the “fire-damaged” set is ready, Major (MAJ) Nick Li of the Singapore Civil Defence Force takes his place. A veteran fire investigator, he reviews his lines for accuracy before speaking them with practiced ease.
It’s almost 2am when the shoot is finally completed, but the results are worth it. Still another day to go!
“You’re Under Arrest!”
It’s morning by the Singapore River and the production team is hard at work, coordinating how the IOs will conduct an arrest. For this case, it actually took officers from Tanglin Police Division – working at a determined pace – 13 hours to track down the offender and arrest him.
The actors receive instructions on how they will swoop in to corner the offender, in a piece of choreography that mirrors the actual case. Once “action” is called, the actors come in from different directions. It takes a few rounds for them to nail the scene. With nowhere to run, the offender has little choice but to submit to the IOs. And cut!
Arrest scenes can be tricky to shoot but are one of the most satisfying aspects of the Crimewatch viewing experience. They demonstrate how rigorous fieldwork and investigations can bear fruit, with justice prevailing.
“In the Know” Makes its Debut
Since Crimewatch debuted in 1986, the series has undergone regular evolutions in format and style to keep pace with the times. What remains constant is the drive to show the good work of our Police officers and share key crime prevention messages with the public.
For Crimewatch 2025, one of the changes that has been implemented is a new segment called “In the Know.” Ever wondered how the Police conduct joint enforcement operations, and what actually goes on during a raid? Check out our very first edition of “In the Know” – featuring exclusive footage of enforcement operations – to find out!
To shoot this segment, the production team are with Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Paige Lee in a quiet corner of Balestier. Once again, it’s a night shoot; all the better to capture how the Police work 24/7 to keep us safe.
Crimewatch 2025, Episode 1: Housebreaking and Theft; Mischief by Fire
Things get hot in our 2025 season premiere, but our officers are on the case! A repeat offender breaks into a licensed moneylender shop and starts a fire to cover up his theft, burning down the entire shop. Watch how officers from Tanglin Police Division swiftly go into action and arrest the culprit within 13 hours.
Want to know how this episode turned out? You can view it on meWATCH!
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