To catch a thief, you need to out the culprit first.

That's what a shop in Eunos did, by putting up a wanted poster showing the face of an alleged shoplifter taken from CCTV footage.

Deterrence

Acting as a sort of deterrence, these sort of "wanted" posters for shoplifting are getting more common in Singapore, especially in smaller heartland shops.

They typically involve CCTV footage of the shoplifter in action, as well as details of the crime.

Poster actually works

In a photo posted to Reddit, someone who claims to be the shoplifter publicised in the the wanted poster apparently responded with an anonymous apology letter and a S$20 payment attached.

Wanted poster by the shop

The shop is located at Eunos Bus Interchange.

The poster stated that a crime occured on Dec. 13, 2017 at about 6pm.

The shoplifter, approximately 25 years of age and 1.75m tall, was described to be a "Well Groomed Smiley Shop Thief."

The characteristics of the man included:

"Walk, talk and move gently with smiley face. Love to looks good and possibly took many photo and posted on social media or online."

According to the CCTV footage, the man stole a 500ml can of beer, one can of chicken and mushroom soup, and a bowl of instant noodles.

This is the poster:

Shoplifter supposedly wrote letter

In response to the unwanted publicity, the alleged shoplifter supposedly responded with a hand-written letter.

The author of the letter admitted to the crime "as stated on the front of shop." He claimed that his parents saw the notice and have punished him for it.

He also apologised for his wrongdoing and attached S$20 to the letter, but did not leave any additional information on his identity.

This is the full letter:

"Hi, owner of the shop.

I have committed theft as stated on the front of your shop on the stated date. I sincerely apologise for my wrongdoing. I know that I shouldn't do it, yet I did. My parents saw the advertisement & I am severely punished by them. I should had just come in person to apologise but I am not confident of myself. I honestly hope that you will forgive me. I promise not I would not do it again in the future. I hope that you can take the poster down. Once again I am really sorry."

Store responds to letter

The store then put up his letter, and responded with several follow-up questions.

These include identifying the person who supposedly admitted to the crime, the specific date and location of the shop theft, as well as revealing the products that were taken.

The shop wrote that "without any information or contact by this sender, the management could not follow up" with the police to cease investigations.

They have also requested that the shoplifter turn himself in personally to resolve the issue.

Top photo from photo via Reddit