Transcript of Soundbite by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law on the Recent Spate of Housebreaking Cases at Private Residential Estates

Question: Sir, can I get your comments on the recent spate of housebreaking cases?

Minister Shanmugam: In June and July this year, Police noticed a sudden spike in the number of housebreaking cases at private residential estates, specifically landed properties. They observed that most of the properties targeted were near park connectors or forested areas. Three individuals were arrested – all three are PRC nationals. They have been charged.

Preliminary investigations suggest that these three appear to be linked to foreign syndicates. Police have also identified 14 other persons – all Chinese nationals – who they think will be able to assist in their investigations, in relation to these housebreaking cases that we have had. They are currently out of Singapore – the 14. Police are engaging the Chinese authorities, to get assistance, to get more information and locate these 14 individuals.

We think the syndicates are operating in small groups. What they do is, they break into residences by climbing walls or fences and they work in teams. The modus operandi is quite interesting – at least, in some cases, one group goes in to steal the items, they can include luxury items like luxury bags, watches, and then they conceal them in forested areas nearby. Then they, we think, go off. Their accomplices will then later on come and take these items. So, quite a sophisticated operation.

Police have stepped up deterrent measures in the affected areas. They have also engaged residents of landed properties around the island. Residents have been advised to take crime prevention seriously. Police are also looking to deploy more cameras, including at the private residential estates. First, as a deterrence. Second, if the cases occur, it is easier to investigate with the cameras.

Really, what you are looking is now, within Singapore, there is relatively low crime; but people from outside are working, different modus operandi, to come in here and target Singaporeans.

Question: Sir, how common are housebreaking cases in Singapore?

Minister Shanmugam: Actually, if you look at Singapore, crimes like housebreaking are not common at all. If you look at the past 10 years, there has been a decline in housebreaking cases. You know the Police tagline, “Low crime, of course, it doesn’t mean no crime”. Generally, physical crimes have been coming down. This modus operandi, now, of foreigners coming into Singapore, targeting houses, working in teams, is a threat that we now have to deal with. We have to ask all Singaporeans to be vigilant, come forward if they see anything suspicious in their neighbourhoods. We would also like to thank all those who have made Police reports about these suspicious sightings