5 men arrested for theft of various items
AsiaOne
Tuesday, Mar 12, 2013
SINGAPORE - Police have arrested 5 men, aged 17 to 50 years, for theft offences in three separate incidents.
They are suspected of stealing items such as prepaid phone cards, seafood, apparel, dental care products and mobile phones valued between $26 and $650.
In the first case, on Mar 8, 2013, Police received a report of a mobile phone stolen from a the victim who was working as a cashier at a convenience store at Commonwealth Avenue. The mobile phone, valued at about $650, was found missing from the cashier counter.
Through intensive follow-up investigations and reviewing of CCTV's footage, officers from Clementi Police Division managed to trace and arrest the 28-year-old suspect at his Commonwealth Crescent residence three days later.
In the next case, on Mar 9, 2013, Police received a report of another convenience store theft.
The cashier at the Mei Ling Street store reported that 14 prepaid phone cards valued at $312 were stolen by a group of youths.
Officers arrested 2 of the suspects, both aged 17, at Mei Ling Street and Clementi Avenue 5 on Mar 11.
Efforts are underway to trace the other two suspects.
In the third case, on Mar 11, at about 3.30 pm, officers from the Crime Strike Force of Clementi Neighborhood Police Centre were on anti-crimes rounds when they spotted two suspects, aged 46 and 50, behaving suspiciously outside a supermarket at Clementi Avenue.
Upon a check, officers found unpaid items such as seafood and dental care products. The products, valued at about $71, were from the supermarket. Other unpaid apparel valued at $39 from a nearby apparel outlet was also found in the possession of the 50-year-old suspect.
Investigations are ongoing against 46-year-old suspect.
The suspect in the first case will be charged in Court on Mar 13. If convicted, he faces a maximum jail term of three years, or a fine, or both.
The two 17-year-old suspects and 50-year-old will be charged in Court on Mar 13, 2013. They each face jail terms of up to 7 years, and shall also be liable to a fine if convicted.
Commander of Clementi Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Melvin Yong said that the installation of CCTV cameras by the retailers had increased their outlets' detection capability and at the same time, assisted the Police in the apprehension of the culprits.
He would also like to advise retailers to take the following measures against shop theft:
a) Display expensive items in locked display shelves which are only accessible by the staff;
b) Avoid displaying expensive items near the store's entry and exit points. They should be placed at strategic locations where they can be monitored by staff or placed under CCTV surveillance. Use empty boxes and cans for expensive items placed near the entry and exit points;
c) Enhance the store's security system by installing CCTVs and convex mirrors. Ensure that the cameras are in good working condition;
d) Use an electronic tagging system;
e) Display advisory signage or warnings against shop theft; and
f) advice all staff to be vigilant.
