Three people have been arrested and charged so far in relation to 10 housebreaking cases in Singapore between Jun. 1, and Aug. 4. 2024.

The cases appear to be linked to foreign syndicates involving Chinese nationals and mostly occurred at private residential estates in the vicinity of the Rail Corridor and Bukit Timah Road.

The police are searching for an additional 14 individuals who are currently outside Singapore to assist in investigations.

The total value of stolen items in the 10 cases was approximately S$3.85 million, with around S$1.36 million of that amount recovered.

Speaking to the media on Aug. 17, Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam said that the police are engaging the Chinese authorities to get assistance and more information to locate the 14 individuals.

Foreign syndicates

The foreign syndicates are believed to operate in small groups, breaking into residences by scaling walls or fences, the police stated.

After committing the crimes, they quickly leave the scene and attempt to exit Singapore to evade detection, the police added.

In some cases, stolen items are hidden in nearby forested areas and later retrieved by accomplices.

The targeted properties are often near park connectors or forested areas, which provide cover for their activities.

The suspects are thought to be transient travellers who entered Singapore on Social Visit Passes, typically one to two days before committing the offences.

Previously, a 27-year-old Chinese man, Wu Jinxing, was charged on Jul. 29, 2024, with dishonestly retaining stolen cash and luxury goods worth more than S$250,000.

He is believed to be responsible for moving stolen loot as a part of a syndicate.

Two more men, Long Zhihua and Luo Changchang, were charged on Jun. 28, 2024.

The police are looking for 14 other men currently out of Singapore:

Measures taken by SPF

The police shared that in the first half of 2024, there were 59 housebreaking-related cases reported compared to 70 cases in the first half of 2023.

A sudden spike in the number of cases reported at private residential estates were observed in June and July 2024.

In response to the recent cases, the police have increased patrols in the affected areas and introduced several measures to deter potential offenders and ensure community safety and security.

Mobile camera (Mobicam)

Mobicams have also been deployed at strategic locations such as major junctions, ingress, or egress of estates to increase situational awareness in the affected areas.

Mobicams have a self-sustainable power supply, and thus can be set up quickly and support flexible outdoor deployment, the police explained.

Aerial patrol with drones

There will also be aerial patrols with drones in the vicinity at key locations within the estates.

This is to enhance visibility and to detect any suspicious activity which the police can promptly respond to.

The drones are fitted with blinkers, cameras and thermal sensors to project presence and complement patrols to prevent, deter and detect crime.

They will also be deployed to support search operations and respond to suspected cases of housebreaking or sightings of suspicious persons in the affected areas.

Public education

Daniel Lin, a resident of the Mount Sinai estate for 30 years, told the media that residents have expressed concern about the break-ins.

He explained that they first noticed their community being targeted after sharing information on group chats.

Lin, who has been in the Citizens on Patrol (COP) scheme for about three years, said they have stepped up patrols and have engaged the community more to ensure they stay alert.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) Serene Chiu also told the media that they hope more residents will sign up to be COP members together to keep their community safe and secure.

The police said they have also ramped up public education efforts across the island.

Crime prevention advisories have been distributed to residents of landed properties near park connectors and forested areas.

What to do if you encounter an intruder

The police have also advised to take the following steps if you encounter an intruder in your home:

a) Remain calm;

b) Prioritise your safety and that of your family members, and if possible, shout to make loud noises;

c) Observe and remember the suspect's clothing, physical appearance, and any distinctive features;

d) Take note of the suspect's direction of escape;

e) If the suspect uses a vehicle to escape, write down the vehicle's plate number;

f) As soon as it is safe to do so, contact the Police immediately to report the incident.

The police also strongly encouraged residents to be vigilant against suspicious persons lurking in residential estates and to report all such persons by calling their emergency hotline “999”.

Likewise, Shanmugam also encouraged Singaporeans to be vigilant and come forward if they see anything suspicious in their neighbourhoods.

“This modus operandi, now, of foreigners coming into Singapore, targeting houses, working in teams, is a threat that we now have to deal with,” he said.

Top photos by Khine Zin Htet