Woman and three men arrested for three separate cases of loanshark harassment
A 22-year-old woman and three men, aged between 22 and 30, have been arrested for their suspected involvement in three separate cases of loanshark harassment, the police said in a statement on Feb 20.
The police were alerted to the first case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit at Edgefield Plains on Feb 15 at about 1pm.
The gate of the unit had been secured with a bicycle lock, and a debtor note was left behind.
Following investigations, officers identified and arrested a 22-year-old woman, who is believed to be involved in other similar cases.
The police were alerted to the second case on Feb 19 at about 8.50pm at a unit at Hougang Avenue 3. In this case, the main door of the unit had been splashed with red paint, and a debtor note was found.
Police arrested two men, aged 22 and 23, who are also suspected to be involved in other loanshark harassment cases.
The third case was reported on Feb 20 at about 8.20am at Edgefield Plains, where another debtor note was found at a residential unit.
Police arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with this case. He is also believed to have committed similar offences.
The four individuals will be charged in court on Feb 21 under the Moneylenders Act 2008.
For first-time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine between $5,000 and $50,000, with imprisonment of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes.
The police said they have zero tolerance for 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," the police said.
Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not to work with or assist them in any way.
Call '999' if you suspect or know anyone of loansharking activities.
