S'pore man, 22, allegedly broke into Yishun flat & stole bank cards & S$520, arrested within 4 hours

A 22-year-old man in Singapore has been arrested for his suspected involvement in a housebreaking at a flat in Yishun on May 30.

According to a police news release, the police were alerted to the incident at Block 225 Yishun Street 21 at around 9:50am.

Bank cards, National Registration Identity Cards (NRICs), an EZ-Link card, and S$520 in cash were reported stolen.

Officers from the Woodlands Police Division and Police Operations Command Centre later identified the suspect through ground enquiries, closed-circuit television footage and images from police cameras.

He was subsequently arrested within four hours of the report at the vicinity of Block 744 Yishun Street 72.

The stolen bank cards, NRICs and EZ-Link card were also recovered from his possession.

A plier allegedly used in the break-in was also seized as a case exhibit.

The man is expected be charged in court on Jun. 1 with the offence of housebreaking under Section 451 of the Penal Code 1871.

If convicted, he may face a jail term of up to ten years and a fine.

The police also reminded the public to take precautions against housebreaking:

• Secure doors, windows, and other openings with high quality grilles and closed-shackle padlocks before leaving the premises unattended;
• Refrain from keeping large amounts of cash and valuables in your premises;
• Install a burglar alarm, motion sensor lights, and CCTVs at access points and ensure they are in good working condition;
• Get to know your neighbours and look out for one another;
• Avoid leaving spare keys in predictable locations outside your homes; and
• If you observe any suspicious persons or activities in the vicinity, call the police immediately at 999.