Police Arrest Man For Series Of Break-Ins At Toa Payoh, Bishan and Whampoa HDB Estates

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.spf.gov.sg/mic/2013/130527_arrested_break_in_E.htm

Police have arrested a 19-year-old Singaporean male on 26 May 2013 for committing break-ins at HDB housing estates and recovered loot from the crimes.

Since the beginning of May 2013, a number of break-ins were reported at HDB housing estates at Toa Payoh, Bishan and Whampoa. The victims would usually discover their units broken into and ransacked after returning from work or upon waking up in the morning.

On scene investigations revealed that the culprit gained entry either through unsecured doors or windows or forced open aluminium window grilles along common corridors.

A task force comprising officers from the various branches of Tanglin Police Division was set up to apprehend the culprit. Extensive enquires were conducted and daily ambushes were mounted at locations where the culprit was likely to strike.

The efforts of the officers paid off when a lead was obtained from CCTV footage showing the suspect at one of the affected blocks at Toa Payoh.

Through follow-up investigations, the identity of the suspect was established. Several ambushes were mounted and the suspect was finally arrested on 26 May 2013 at Bendemeer Road . The suspect subsequently led Police to recover of some of the loot from the crimes.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is believed to be involved in more than 20 cases of housebreaking and theft at HDB estates in Bishan, Toa Payoh, Whampoa, Bendemeer, Marine Terrace and Tampines.

The suspect will be charged in the Subordinate Courts on 27 May 2013 for Housebreaking by Night under Section 457 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. The offence caries a jail term of not less than 2 years and not more than 14 years imprisonment.

The Police would like to advise all home occupants 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;
• Secure all doors and window grills before retiring to bed or when leaving your home unattended, even for a short while;
• All cash, jewelleries and valuable items should be kept in a bank or in a good quality safe that is anchored to the wall/floor to prevent the safe from being carted away;
• If going away for a prolonged period, suspend the newspaper subscription and arrange for someone to clear mails and check on your home regularly.