October 13, 2019, 07:08 PM
In light of the rise in molest cases in Singapore lately, the Singapore Police Force has advised the public to avoid taking the lift with strangers.
Molest cases on the rise
In a news release dated Sunday, Oct. 13, the police revealed that seven men, aged between 26 and 75, will be charged in court on Monday, Oct. 14 for their suspected involvement in seven separate cases of outrage of modesty.
The cases were reported between October 2018 and July 2019.
The news release said: "Outrage of modesty cases have been on an increasing trend and remain a key concern for the police."
In addition, it said the police will continue to "work closely with stakeholders and the community to prevent and deter" such cases.
Be aware of surroundings
Other than advising members of the public to avoid taking the lift with a stranger, the police advised people to adopt the following preventive measures:
- Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert to any suspicious person(s);
- Avoid walking through dimly-lit and secluded places; and
- Carry along with you a shrill alarm.
Seek help immediately if molested
The police also advised the public to "seek help immediately" from people present in the vicinity if they are molested.
In addition, they advised victims to "take note of the prominent features and attire of the suspect as well as the direction in which he or she went".
They also advised victims to call "999" as soon as possible to increase the chances of apprehending the suspect early.
Furthermore, police said the victim or other witnesses of the crime may help to detain the suspect while waiting for the police to arrive, if it is safe to do so.
Jail of up to two years if convicted
The police reiterated that anyone convicted of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code, Chapter 224 may be liable to a jail term of up to two years, or fine, or caning, or any combination of such punishments.
The maximum imprisonment term will be increased to five years if the victim is under 14 years of age, the police added.
Top image via gov.sg
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