Two Chinese nationals arrested for burglaries in Buona Vista and Holland landed homes

SINGAPORE: Foreign criminals have once again targeted landed properties in Singapore, with two homes burgled in the Holland area, resulting in the loss of cash, jewellery, and branded goods.

The police announced on 19 December that they had arrested two Chinese nationals, aged 38 and 52, on 18 December in connection with two separate incidents of housebreaking and theft.

The break-ins occurred at a property in Greenleaf View, Holland, and another in Zehnder Road, Buona Vista.

The police began their investigation after receiving reports of the thefts.

Upon reviewing security footage from nearby cameras, officers quickly identified the two male suspects.

The suspects were traced to a hotel in Joo Chiat, where they were apprehended at around 6pm, approximately six hours after the first burglary was reported at 12.10pm on 18 December.

Following their arrest, the police recovered two luxury watches, worth approximately S$8,800, a branded pouch valued at about S$5,000, S$3,570 in cash, and a variety of jewellery items.

Both suspects are expected to be formally charged on 20 December with housebreaking and theft.

The break-in at Greenleaf View occurred at around 9pm on 16 December while the homeowners were away.

They reported the incident on 18 December. The burglary at the Zehnder Road home took place during daylight hours on 18 December.

According to the police, neither of the homes had burglar alarms, though the Greenleaf View property had security cameras, which proved helpful in the investigation.

The homes were locked at the time of the burglaries, but the suspects are believed to have gained entry by scaling the walls and fences and entering through unlocked windows.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Serene Chiu spoke to the media on 19 December, urging residents to remain vigilant, particularly during the year-end travel season.

Links to mid-2024 syndicate crimes not ruled out

She noted that the police have stepped up efforts to prevent housebreaking and theft in private residential areas, including the installation of additional police cameras, frequent patrols, and engagement with residents.

“The police would like to highlight that a vigilant community is the best deterrence,” said Assistant Commissioner Chiu.

“Residents should continue to look out for and report persons loitering suspiciously in the neighbourhood. It is with the community’s strong support that Singapore can continue to be one of the safest places in the world.”

The police further revealed that investigations into the two burglaries are ongoing.

While there is currently no evidence suggesting that other individuals were involved, they have not ruled out the possibility that the suspects may be connected to a syndicate responsible for similar crimes earlier in 2024.

Burglary syndicate operations

In August, the police reported a rise in housebreaking incidents involving foreign syndicates, particularly Chinese nationals.

These suspects were reportedly exploiting Singapore’s visa-free entry arrangements to commit crimes before fleeing quickly to evade detection.

They are believed to have stolen an estimated S$3.85 million from at least 10 homes between June and August.

The gangs primarily targeted properties along the Rail Corridor and Bukit Timah Road, with one case also occurring in Windsor Park Road in the Bishan area.

The police arrested three Chinese nationals in connection with these crimes and have sought information about another 14 individuals who left Singapore shortly after the thefts.

Those convicted of housebreaking and theft in Singapore may face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, as well as a fine.