Man locks Tampines flat's gate and leaves note: 'Next time burn your neighbour house'
A 45-year-old man was arrested for his suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment.
The police said in a statement that they were alerted to the case at a unit at Tampines Street 22 on Mar 4 at about 8.55pm.
The main gate of the unit was secured with a bicycle lock.
A debtor's note was also pasted on the gate, which reads: "Warning next time burn your neighbour house becuase you take loan no pay (sic)."
Officers identified the man and arrested him on Mar 5 and found that he is allegedly involved in other similar cases of loanshark harassment islandwide.
A mobile phone, a yellow bicycle lock, a red marker, and a roll of masking tape were seized as case exhibits.
The man will be charged in court on Mar 6 under the Moneylenders Act.
For first-time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine of between $5,000 and $50,000, with up to five years' jail and six strokes of the cane.
The police said they have zero tolerance fo loanshark harassment activities: "Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance or disrupt public safety, peace and security, will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law."
Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not work with or assist them in any way.
Call '999' if you suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities.
