Chinese national arrested for housebreakings in Serangoon Gardens, Sentosa: Jewellery and wig seized
A 40-year-old man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in three housebreaking-related cases.
The police said in a statement that they were alerted to the cases at residential units at Chuan Drive and Li Hwan Close in Serangoon Gardens and on Sentosa Island between Dec 7 and 8.
Officers identified the Chinese national and arrested him on Dec 8.
Preliminary investigations revealed that he had allegedly broken into the residential units and stolen jewellery items while the home occupants were away.
The police recovered the pieces of jewellery, more than $1,000 in cash, four EZ-Link cards, a cap and a wig.
The man will be charged in court on Dec 10 with housebreaking in order to commit an offence punishable with imprisonment.
If convicted, he may be jailed for up to 10 years and also be liable to a fine.
The police remind members of the public to take precautionary measures to secure their homes and belongings, especially during the year-end holiday period when many residents travel overseas.
Residents are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
- Perimeter Security: Ensure that your home's perimeter is well-lit and secured with sturdy fencing, walls, and gates to deter unauthorised access. Trim any overgrown vegetation that could provide cover for potential intruders, or which may block CCTV coverage.
- Window and Door Security: Install sturdy locks on all windows, doors, and consider reinforcing them with additional security measures such as window bars or grilles. Always close and lock windows and doors when leaving the house or retiring for the night.
- Burglar Alarm: Consider installing a burglar alarm system that is connected to a monitoring service or a system, that can alert you and your neighbours in case of a breach.
- CCTV Installation: Consider installing CCTV cameras at strategic locations, as high-resolution images captured by CCTVs have proved useful in solving such cases, and displaying 'CCTV in operation' signs, especially near entry points and vulnerable areas. Ensure that the cameras and signs are visible to act as a deterrent to potential burglars.
- Lighting: Ensure the perimeter of your home is well-lit with motion activated lights to illuminate any suspicious activity or persons during the low-light conditions.
- Secure Valuables: Avoid keeping large amounts of cash at home and always use safe deposit boxes. Keep valuable items such as jewellery and important documents, in a secure and discreet location within your home,
such as a safe securely bolted to fixed or permanent structures, to deter theft and unauthorised removal. - Community Watch Scheme (CWS) – Neighbours on Watch: Consider joining the CWS – Neighbours on Watch, where you will receive regular crime information, alerts, and advisories on the crime concerns around your neighbourhood.
- Citizens On Patrol (COP): Sign up as a volunteer with COP where you can play an active role to prevent and deter crime by patrolling your neighbourhood, engaging residents on safety and security measures and alert the police on suspicious activities or characters.
