A 17-year-old teenager has been arrested after she was suspected to have been involved in a series of loanshark harassment.

According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the girl was charged in court on July 2 under the Moneylenders Act.

For first time offenders of loanshark harassment, the offence carries a fine not less than S$5,000 and not more than S$50,000, mandatory imprisonment of up to five years, and mandatory caning of up to six strokes.

Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment along Choa Chu Kang North 7 on June 30, 2020.

The door and gate of a residential unit had been splashed with paint.

Investigations by officers from the Jurong and Bedok Police Divisions established the identity of the 17-year-old girl.

She was arrested on July 1 along Haig Road, where she was alleged to have been planning to harass another debtor.

According to the Police, the girl is suspected to be involved in several other cases of loanshark harassment.

Zero tolerance

In a statement to the media, Police reiterated they had "zero tolerance for loanshark harassment activities".

"Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruptions to public safety, peace and security, will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law."

Police advised members of the public to stay away from loansharks and not to work with or assist the loansharks in anyways.

Members of the public can contact the police at 999 or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664 if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities.

Top image from Google Maps and Niu Niu via Unsplash