Sim Lim Square shop alleges 'young man' took $1,079 PC component in 'stealing spree' at mall
A Sim Lim Square shop shared a screen grab of a CCTV video allegedly showing someone stealing a $1,079 computer component on July 1.
Stomper An from Bizgram Asia claimed that the "young man" had been on a "stealing spree" at two other shops in the mall as well.
In response to a Stomp query, the police confirmed that a report was lodged and investigations are ongoing.
Bizgram Asia told Stomp that the stolen computer component was an Asus ROG Thor 1600W Titanium Oled power supply unit.
"The box was later found opened and abandoned outside the building's toilet, retrieved by another store's staff member and returned to us. This suggests possible intent to tamper or conceal," said Bizgram.
The power supply unit was recovered, but the suspect remains a concern.
Bizgram explained: "There is a WhatsApp group chat shared among many shop owners within Sim Lim Square. Several members posted alerts and shared photos of the same individual exhibiting similar behaviour - entering, pretending to browse, and attempting to exit with high-value items.
"In this most recent case, one store owner alerted the rest of us while he was still in the building, helping us locate the stolen item.
"Yes, the shop community has grown more vigilant as these incidents are becoming frequent."
Bizgram added: "We have now added an AI camera to detect the faces and capture the flow within the store to analyse and alert for the future."
The shop is not out to punish the culprit.
"If he voluntarily steps forward and takes responsibility, we are open to letting the authorities handle it in a way they find appropriate - whether it involves rehabilitation or warnings." said Bizgram.
"Our main goal is deterrence, not punishment - but repeated theft affects everyone's livelihood, and business owners deserve peace of mind while operating."
