Serial molester, 18, nabbed for molest cases in lifts
By Cheng Jingjie
The Straits Times
Thursday, Mar 07, 2013
SINGAPORE - Police have arrested an 18-year-old youth who is believed to have molested female victims in lifts in the Jurong East neighbourhood on at least two occasions.
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The following is a press release from the Singapore Police Force:
SINGAPORE - Police have arrested a 18-year-old youth who is believed to be involved in at least two cases of Outrage of Modesty involving female victims in the Jurong East housing estate.
On March 3 and March 4, 2013, police were notified of two cases of Outrage of Modesty committed in lifts located in the Jurong East housing estate.
Following the first report, officers from Clementi Police Division immediately
conducted intensive ground enquiries and follow-up investigations to apprehend the culprit. Based on the close proximity of the incidents, timing and suspect's descriptions given by the victims, it was believed that both cases were committed by the same culprit.
As a preventive measure, officers proactively alerted the Residents' Committee members of the menace and sought their assistance to be on the look-out for the serial molester. The officers' efforts paid off when they managed to establish the identity of the suspect and arrested him in the vicinity of Jurong West on March 7, 2013 at about 12.00 am.
Preliminary investigations revealed the suspect is believed to be involved in at least two cases of Outrage of Modesty in the Jurong East housing estate.
The suspect will be charged in Court on 8 March 2013 for Outrage of Modesty inside a lift under Section 354A(2)(a) of the Penal Code Chapter. If convicted, he faces a jail term of up to 10 years and caning. A court order will be sought to remand the suspect for further investigations.
Commander of Clementi Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Melvin Yong, commended his officers for their extensive investigative follow-up and resourcefulness which led to the arrest of the suspect.
DAC Yong also advised members of public, in particular, lone females, to be vigilant of their surroundings, especially of suspicious persons who could be following them. They should adopt the following measures in the event that they encounter similar unfortunate situations with a molester:
- Try to stay composed
- Take note of the description, attire or any significant features of the perpetuator as much as possible
- Take note of the direction and mode of escape by the perpetuator; and
- Call the Police as soon as it is safe to do so.
