Police have arrested a 35-year-old Chinese National who is believed to be involved in at least 40 cases of break-ins committed at private residences located at the Rosyth and Seletar Hills Estates.

Between December 2009 and April 2010, a spate of break-ins was reported at the Rosyth and Seletar Hills Estates. Most of these cases were committed between 10pm to 5am. In these cases, the suspect was believed to have scaled the perimeter fencing or walls of the premises and entered the unit via the unlocked sliding glass doors located at the rear of the compounds. In all, cash and other valuables totaling about $21,000 were stolen.

Working tirelessly on all available leads, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division conducted a detailed crime analysis and mounted multiple ambushes in the affected estates. Although the culprit remained elusive, the officers persevered and continued with their efforts to apprehend him. The officers' efforts finally paid off on 19 April 2010 at about 1.30 am, when they saw a suspect climbing over the wall of a private estate in the vicinity of Mimosa Terrace. Springing into action, the officers quickly sealed off all possible escape routes and moved in on the suspect. When the suspect spotted the officers, he attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended by the officers.

The suspect will be charged in Subordinate Court 26 on 20 April 2010 for Housebreaking and Theft by Night under Section 457 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. If convicted, he faces a jail term of up to 14 years.

Commander of Ang Mo Kio Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Hsu Sin Yun, commended his officers for their perseverance and dedication in solving the cases. He would also like to take the opportunity to advise home owners to adopt the following crime prevention measures:

• Install good quality locks and grilles to secure your doors and windows;
• Lock yourdoors and windows at all times, especially before retiring to bed or when leaving your home unattended, even if it is only for a short while;
• Install a burglar alarm or CCTV system;
• Keep large sums of cash in banks and expensive jewellery in a safe deposit box; and
• Keep a lookout for one another’s home, and report suspicious activities to the Police immediately.