3 foreign nationals arrested after 3 housebreaking & theft cases around Bukit Timah, over S$18,000 recovered

Three foreign nationals were arrested for their suspected involvement in three cases of housebreaking and theft, within 27 hours of the first case being reported.

Police were alerted to the three cases, which took place at residences along Cluny Park, Dunearn Close, and Eng Neo Avenue, between May 9 and 10.

The three arrested are a 60-year-old male with dual citizenship from Spain and Colombia, a 48-year-old male with dual citizenship from Mexico and Colombia, and a 51-year-old male Mexican national.

Mothership understands that the three were in Singapore on a social visit pass, and had entered Singapore one to two weeks before the occurrence of the crimes.

Two of the men were arrested along Jalan Kubor, while one was arrested along Tyrwhitt Road.

According to a press release by the Singapore Police Force (SPF), officers established the identities of the suspects through extensive ground inquiries, closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, and police cameras.

The following were recovered from the three men:

• A car, rented by the suspects
• A circular power saw
• An assortment of jewellery
• Cash amounts of more than S$6,000, €3,100 (S$4,529) and US$6,400 (S$8,301)

The three men will be charged in court on May 12, 2025, for housebreaking and theft with common intention.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment that may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to a fine.

Two key witnesses

Two members of the public, Lily Tan, who is in her 50s, and her son Shane Lee, 16, provided key witness accounts to the police, which aided in the swift arrest of the three men.

The pair, who stay in Bukit Timah, were taking a walk around the estate at night on May 9 when they saw a car with an unfamiliar license plate number making rounds in the area.

Their suspicions were aroused, and Tan took note of the license plate number.

Tan shared that those in the car appeared to notice them watching, and the vehicle later sped off.

The next day, police visited residents as part of their investigations after the housebreaking incidents occurred.

Tan then reported what she had seen, along with the car's license plate number, to the police.

For their efforts and vigilance, Tan and Lee were presented certificates of appreciation in recognition of their community partnership with the police.

Security measures

Police noted that despite a decreasing number of housebreaking cases, Singapore remains targeted by transnational criminals.

Police said that community vigilance is key to ensuring safety and security from such crimes.

Police also advised residents to adopt crime prevention measures, especially if they are away from home for extended periods of time.

This includes enhancing home perimeter security, window and door security, as well as installing burglar alarm systems and CCTV cameras.

Other measures could include ensuring the perimeter of your house is well-lit and securing your valuables by using safe deposit boxes.

Residents could also join the Community Watch Scheme (CWS) or volunteer with Citizens on Patrol (COP).

Top photo from Mothership