Police have arrested three youths aged between 17 and 18 years old for suspected involvement in loanshark harassment early this morning following a tip-off from a member of public.

Between March and April 2010, several cases of loanshark harassment had been reported in the Canberra estate. The harassment tactics employed included splashing of paint and scrawling of loanshark-related graffiti on walls. Following the reports, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division intensified their patrols in the area. Neighbourhood Watch Groups (NWGs), comprising the residents of the estate, were also formed to keep a look out for suspicious characters.

On 9 May 2010 at about 1.45 am , a resident in the area noticed a suspicious character walking along the common corridor in his block. When he opened his door to check, he saw another unfamiliar character coming down from the stairs. Upon seeing the resident, the subject turned away and walked hastily towards the lift area. Sensing that something was amiss, the resident called for the Police and provided vivid descriptions of the two subjects.

Upon Police arrival, two sets of loanshark-related graffiti written using blue markers were found at the ground floor and 10th floor of the said block. Although there were no sign of the suspects, the responding officers did not give up and conducted a search for the suspects while alerting other patrol resources to keep a look out for them. The officers' efforts finally paid off. While patrolling along Canberra Road , they spotted three youths, two of whom fitted the descriptions provided by the resident. Upon a check, several blue markers, cans of paint and handphones containing debtors' records were found in their possession. The third youth who is believed to be an accomplice, was placed under arrest together with the two youths for suspected loanshark harassment.

All three suspects will be charged in Court on 10 May 2010 for loanshark harassment. Under the amended Moneylenders Act 2008, first time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment may be imprisoned up to 5 years and fined between $5,000/- and $50,000/-. In addition, they are liable to caning not more than 6 strokes.

Commander of Ang Mo Kio Police Division HQ, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Hsu Sin Yun, commended the member of the public for his vigilance and his officers for their good work in arresting the three suspects.