The Police have arrested two men, aged 23 and 35, for their suspected involvement in a case of housebreaking and theft by night at a shop in Pasir Panjang wholesale centre within 16 hours after receiving the police report.
On 5 January 2016 at about 7am, the owner of the shop reported to the Police that his shop had been broken into and that the safe had been cut open. Cash amounting to about S$500,000 kept in the safe had been stolen. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had entered the premise by forcing open a ventilator opening on the roof top.
Officers from Clementi Division conducted extensive investigation to establish the identity of the two suspects and arrested the duo at about 10.30pm on the same day at a hotel along Bayfront Avenue.
Cash amounting to about S$433,000 and some luxury goods, which were believed to have been purchased by the suspects with the stolen cash, were recovered and seized as case exhibits.
Both suspects will be charged in Court on 7 January 2016 for the offence of Housebreaking and Theft by Night with common intention under Section 457 r/w 34 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. If convicted, they face a jail term which may extend to 14 years.
Commander of Clementi Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) Gerald Lim said, “The case was solved through the assistance of the public and the good investigation skills of my officers. This case highlights the importance of collaboration between the Police and the community in combating crime.â€
The Police would like to advise all property owners to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
- Ensure that all doors, windows and other openings are well secured with good quality grilles and close-shackled padlocks;
- Install a burglar alarm, motion sensor light and/or close circuit surveillance camera to cover the access points into your premises. Ensure that they are tested periodically and in good working condition;
- Do not keep large sums of cash and valuables in your premises.
From left to right: Deputy Head Investigation of Clementi Division, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) K Vasanthan; Commander of Clementi Division, Assistant Commissioner (AC) Gerald Lim; and Head Investigation of Clementi Division Superintendent (SUPT) Ng Kang Bee at the press conference.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
06 January 2016 @ 5:00 PM