A 46-year-old man who is believed to be involved in a case of housebreaking and theft by day had been arrested, stated the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Tuesday (6 September).
The Police said that it received a report on a break -in at a shop at Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre on 5 September 2016 at about 8.20 am.
The Police said that the victim realised that part of the rooftop of the shop had been sawed open when she entered the place. She immediately checked the shop and later found out that a computer, an assortment of cigarettes, and cash amounting to $1000 were missing.
SPF said that officers from Clementi Division conducted extensive ground enquiries and follow-up investigation to establish the identity of the suspect.
It is said that the suspect was arrested at Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre on 5 September 2016 at about 11.30 am, with the items which were reported missing from the shop recovered, from the suspect.
The Police stated that the suspect will be charged in Court on 7 September 2016 with the offence of Housebreaking and Theft under Section 454 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, which is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years.
The Police also advised all property owners to adopt the following crime prevention measures against break-ins:
- Secure all doors, roller shutters, windows and other openings with good quality grills and close-shackled padlocks before retiring to bed or when leaving your shop/home unattended, even for a short while;
- Refrain from keeping large sums of cash in commercial premises; and
- Install a burglar alarm and CCTVs, to cover the access points into your premises. Ensure that they are tested periodically and in good working condition.