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Sharp rise in theft on Singapore aircraft
July 21, 2013
Latest Update: July 21, 2013 04:04 pm
There has been “a significant upward trend” of theft cases on board Singapore-controlled aircraft in recent years, which led prosecutors yesterday to press for a 12-month jail term for a man convicted of such an offence.
In 2011, only one individual was arrested for theft on board an aircraft. There was also one reported case that year. The total number of reported cases shot up to 43 last year, with 36 individuals being arrested. There have been 35 reported cases so far this year, with 26 individuals being nabbed.
Apart from the surge in cases, prosecutors yesterday noted that one or more organised crime syndicates are targeting Singapore-controlled aircraft.
In the latest case to come before the courts, Chinese national Yue Liangfu, 32, was convicted of stealing a brown trolley bag belonging to 69-year-old Cambodian Kuy Touch during a SilkAir flight from Singapore to Phnom Penh on June 8.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Krystle Chiang yesterday sought a jail term of 12 months — a much stiffer sentence compared to its initial submission of 12 weeks in prison. She explained there has been “a significant upward trend” in such theft cases over the past two years.
In March this year, Chinese national Wang Liwu, 47, was jailed for six weeks for stealing something from a laptop bag belonging to the boss of Mustafa Centre, Mustaq Ahmad, during a flight from Phnom Penh to Singapore.
Senior District Judge See Kee Oon noted the rising trend and accepted the prosecution’s new submissions.
From his own experience, he said the courts have not given sentences exceeding three months for such offences. Thus, the Judge said he would review the sentencing benchmark as such cases are on the rise.
Yue will be back in court on July 23, when he is expected to be sentenced. The highest penalty is a jail term of three years and a fine.
When contacted, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Jetstar said they have told their crew to remain vigilant and to alert the authorities of any suspicious behaviour on board flights.
Passengers, too, are reminded to be alert and mindful of their belongings.
“Just as on ground, they should constantly be alert and take necessary precautions to safeguard their belongings,” said an SIA spokesperson. - Todayonline.com, July 21, 2013.
July 21, 2013
Latest Update: July 21, 2013 04:04 pm
There has been “a significant upward trend” of theft cases on board Singapore-controlled aircraft in recent years, which led prosecutors yesterday to press for a 12-month jail term for a man convicted of such an offence.
In 2011, only one individual was arrested for theft on board an aircraft. There was also one reported case that year. The total number of reported cases shot up to 43 last year, with 36 individuals being arrested. There have been 35 reported cases so far this year, with 26 individuals being nabbed.
Apart from the surge in cases, prosecutors yesterday noted that one or more organised crime syndicates are targeting Singapore-controlled aircraft.
In the latest case to come before the courts, Chinese national Yue Liangfu, 32, was convicted of stealing a brown trolley bag belonging to 69-year-old Cambodian Kuy Touch during a SilkAir flight from Singapore to Phnom Penh on June 8.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Krystle Chiang yesterday sought a jail term of 12 months — a much stiffer sentence compared to its initial submission of 12 weeks in prison. She explained there has been “a significant upward trend” in such theft cases over the past two years.
In March this year, Chinese national Wang Liwu, 47, was jailed for six weeks for stealing something from a laptop bag belonging to the boss of Mustafa Centre, Mustaq Ahmad, during a flight from Phnom Penh to Singapore.
Senior District Judge See Kee Oon noted the rising trend and accepted the prosecution’s new submissions.
From his own experience, he said the courts have not given sentences exceeding three months for such offences. Thus, the Judge said he would review the sentencing benchmark as such cases are on the rise.
Yue will be back in court on July 23, when he is expected to be sentenced. The highest penalty is a jail term of three years and a fine.
When contacted, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Jetstar said they have told their crew to remain vigilant and to alert the authorities of any suspicious behaviour on board flights.
Passengers, too, are reminded to be alert and mindful of their belongings.
“Just as on ground, they should constantly be alert and take necessary precautions to safeguard their belongings,” said an SIA spokesperson. - Todayonline.com, July 21, 2013.
