Tampines resident gets 'last warning' about house getting burned, woman arrested
A 32-year-old woman was arrested over a case of loanshark harassment involving a residential unit along Tampines Street 23.
The unit's main gate was secured with a bicycle lock and a debtor's note was pasted on the gate.
The note said: "Better call me settle now. Next time burn ur house. Call me. Last warning."
The police were alerted to the case on Nov 11 at around 11.10am.
Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division and Police Operations Command Centre established the woman's identity and arrested her on Nov 12.
Preliminary investigations revealed that she is believed to be involved in other cases of loanshark harassment islandwide.
Three bicycle locks and a mobile phone were seized as case exhibits.
The woman will be charged in court on Nov 14 under the Moneylenders Act 2008.
For first-time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine between $5,000 and $50,000, with up to five years in jail and up to six strokes of the cane.
The police said they have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties or cause annoyance and disruption to public safety 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 the police at '999' if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities.
