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S'porean man, 61, pleads guilty after stealing 320 women's underwear over 5 years
He reportedly had an urge to steal underwear after drinking.
February 28, 2026, 05:12 PM
A 61-year-old Singaporean man pleaded guilty in court on Feb. 27 after stealing 320 pieces of women's underwear over a span of five years.
His crimes came to light after he was caught red-handed on May. 21, 2025, while stealing 10 undergarments at a flat in Bukit Batok Central.
Incident
According to Shin Min Daily News, the court revealed that a resident at the flat heard "very light" footsteps while standing outside his home at about 4:20am.
He then saw the accused, Dennis Kwek, sneaking around the corridor while clad in a black t-shirt, blue mask, and black cap.
Upon realising that he had been discovered, Kwek immediately turned and ran away.
However, he was caught by the resident, who ran after him.
The resident found that Kwek's trousers pockets were bulging and grew suspicious.
He found six pairs of women's underwear and four bras in it and called the police.
After his arrest, Kwek was taken back to his home, where police found another seven bags containing 310 pieces of underwear.
He admitted to stealing them over the past five years.
Alcohol use disorder
In court, the prosecution said Kwek was diagnosed with alcohol use disorder by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
He reportedly has an urge to steal underwear after drinking.
Kwek, who worked as an airline security guard at the time of his arrest, was ordered by the judge to undergo mandatory treatment and evaluation.
Apologising in court, he claimed that he had quit drinking after his arrest and had not touched any alcohol for 278 days.
He added that he has since joined a support group and set goals to give back to society, after being shunned by friends, colleagues, and family members following the arrest.
He pleaded guilty to one count under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act and will be sentenced on Apr. 1.
For being in possession of an item which may be reasonably suspected of being stolen or fraudulently obtained, he could be jailed up to one year, fined up to S$3,000, or both.
Top images via Shin Min & Unsplash
