2 men, aged 43 & 50, both Chinese nationals, arrested for allegedly stealing up to S$400 from donation box at Balestier temple

Two male Chinese nationals, aged 43 and 50, were arrested for their suspected involvement in a case of housebreaking and theft.

On Apr. 2, at about 12:30am, the police were alerted to a case of housebreaking and theft along Tai Gin Road in Balestier, where a temple was broken into.

Cash amounting to between S$300 and S$400 was allegedly stolen from the donation boxes.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the pair had apparently entered the premises and used a card affixed with adhesive tape to remove cash from the temple’s donation boxes.

Through follow-up investigations and the aid of surveillance footage, officers from Tanglin Police Division established the men’s identities.

Both men purportedly left Singapore on the same day as the offence.

On Aug. 16, they returned to Singapore and were arrested.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the two men allegedly used the stolen cash.

Both men will be charged on Aug. 18 with the offence of housebreaking and theft with common intention.

Offenders are liable to a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.

The police advised property owners to secure all doors, roller shutters, windows and other openings with good quality grilles and padlocks when leaving the premises unattended, even for a short while.

They should also refrain from keeping large sums of cash and valuables on the premises, and install a burglar alarm, motion sensor lights and/ or CCTVs, to cover the access points, while ensuring that they are tested periodically and are in good working condition.