2 Chinese nationals, aged 40 & 43, taken back to crime scene at Vivocity where they allegedly committed theft

Two men who were arrested for their suspected involvement in a series of theft cases were taken back to the scene of the crime at Vivocity on Apr. 21.

The police previously said four male Chinese nationals were arrested after several cases of theft were reported in the vicinity of VivoCity, Marina Bay Sands, and Palawan Beach, Sentosa between Apr. 1 and 14, 2026.

The men targeted unattended bags and personal belongings of individuals who were distracted or not vigilant with their possessions at crowded places, shopping malls and popular tourist spots, the police said.

Crime scene revisit

Two of the accused, Zhang Wei, 43, and Ren Fubin, 40, arrived at the scene at about 10:40am flanked by investigators.

Dressed in white polo tees with their hands and feet cuffed, they were taken to the location of the alleged thefts.

The pair were seen nodding at times in response to questions by investigators.

According to chargesheets seen by Mothership, Zhang and Ren are accused of committing the offence together with Sui Haibo and Yu Haibo on Apr. 1 at Vivocity.

They allegedly stole a bag valued at SS$400, a car key Volkswagen Golf valued at S$433, an iPhone 15 Phone Pro valued at S$800 and one EZ-Link card valued at S$100.

The total value of the stolen properties was S$1733.

Charged

The men were charged in court on Apr. 16 with the offence of theft with common intention.

The offence carries a jail term of up to three years, a fine, or both.

The police said they take a firm stance against offenders who commit theft, and such offenders will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law.

Members of the public are advised to be aware of common theft methods, where culprits target unattended bags.

These opportunistic criminals wait for moments when bag owners are distracted to quickly snatch bags and flee, the police added.

Members of the public are advised to always keep their bags within arm's reach.

Top photos by Rafael See Toh/Mothership