In an operation which started on 4 March 2010 at about 4.00 pm, Police arrested 12 persons, aged between 15 to 21 years old, for their suspected involvement in a series of theft from vehicle cases island-wide.

Since February 2010, a spate of theft from vehicle cases was reported in the Sembawang Hills and Lentor private housing estates. In most of these cases, the culprits were believed to have climbed into the compound of the private housing units where they stole items such as cash, cash cards and other valuables from unsecured vehicles.

Following the reports, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division worked tirelessly to pursue all available leads and managed to establish the identity of the first suspect after intensive enquiries and intelligence probes. The first suspect, a 19-year-old male youth, was subsequently arrested along Old Choa Chu Kang Road on 4 March 2010 at about 8.00pm.

Through interviews and follow-up investigations, the identities of the remaining suspects were established and they were subsequently arrested as well. Cash cards, a camera and a portable music player, believed to be stolen items, were also recovered from the suspects’ possession. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are believed to be involved in similar theft from vehicle cases islandwide.

The suspects will be charged in Court on 6 March 2010 for the offence of Theft from Vehicle with Common Intention under Section 379 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code Chapter 224, which carries a maximum jail term of three years imprisonment, or with fine or both.

Commander of Ang Mo Kio Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Hsu Sin Yun commended his officers for their prompt action which resulted in the arrest of the suspects. He also urged members of public to safeguard their vehicle against theft by adopting the following crime prevention measures: