2 Indonesian men who are believed to be responsible for a spate of Theft From Motor Vehicles at public car parks island-wide were detained by vigilant Police officers at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on 13 April 2010 as they were attempting to leave the country.

On 12 April 2010 , Police received reports of 3 cars that had been broken into. The owners had parked their cars at varying times ranging from 11.30am to 8pm at the open-air car parks at Jalan Sultan, Kallang Road and Banda Street . When they returned to their cars, they discovered that the car’s rear passenger windows were smashed and their personal belongings which had been left in their vehicles stolen. The stolen items included cash, a computer notebook, computer peripherals, digital media players, wallet, bags and other personal effects.

Following the reports, Police conducted extensive ground enquiries and investigations to track the suspects down. On 13 Apr 2010 at about 8pm , Police officers deployed at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal spotted 2 men who were behaving suspiciously. When the officers conducted a check on them, they were found with some items which they could not account for. The items found on them included US$ 500, SG$ 50, one wallet, one digital media player and a pair of sports shoes. The two suspects, aged 27 and 28 years old were subsequently placed under arrest.

Investigations revealed that the duo are also believed to be involved in other cases of Theft from motor vehicles reported in 2009 and 2010 at Jalan Besar, Geylang Serai and Bishan.

The two suspects will be charged in Court 26 on 15 Apr 2010 at 9.00am for an offence of Theft From Vehicle with Common Intention under Section 379 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code. A person convicted of this offence faces a maximum jail term of three years and/or a fine.

Commander of Central Police Division HQ, Assistant Commissioner of Police Lau Peet Meng, commended the officers for their vigilance which resulted in the arrest of the suspects. He also reminded members of the public not to leave their personal belongings and valuables unattended in the car.