The overall crime reported in 2008 increased by 1% to 33,113 cases from 32,796 cases in 2007. Notably, the overall crime rate also fell to 684 from 715 per 100,000 population in 2008. Annex A shows the breakdown of overall crime in 2008 compared to 2007.

As illustrated from Annex A, four of the six crime classes¹ registered decreases in 2008 compared to 2007. They are namely:

a. Violent Property Crimes, which are made up primarily of robbery cases, decreased to 962 cases in 2008 from 1,027 cases in 2007. This category refers to crimes which involve the taking of money or property by force or threat of force against the victim. Notably, there were 24 serial offenders arrested in 2008 compared to seven in 2007. The 24 serial offenders committed at least 75 robbery cases either alone or in groups at various premises type, including streets, void decks, lifts, taxis and convenience stores.

b. Housebreaking and Related Crimes fell to 898 cases in 2008 from 926 cases in 2007. Significantly, a total of 28 serial offenders were arrested in 2008, marking a 56% increase (or +10 persons) from the previous year. They were responsible for at least 211 cases of housebreaking.

c. Commercial Crimes, comprising mainly cheating and related offences, registered a drop to 3,488 cases in 2008 compared to the 3,565 cases in 2007.

d. Miscellaneous Crimes, which comprise various offences such as vandalism, trespassing and disorderly behavior, registered 3,454 cases in 2008, a decrease from 3,609 cases in 2007.

Crimes Against Persons, which refers to crimes where the victim is an individual and suffers bodily harm as a result of the crime, increased in 2008, with 4,393 cases compared to 4,113 in 2007. The increase can be attributed to more cases of Criminal Force/Assault (increase of 169 cases), and Statutory Rape/Carnal Connection (increase of 94 cases). Notably, murder, which also falls under this category, also rose from 18 to 25 cases in 2008, all of which were isolated and unrelated.

However, it is significant to note that the two major offences of outrage of modesty and rioting, under the crime class of Crimes Against Persons, fell by 103 and 15 cases respectively.

Theft and Related Crimes registered 19,918 cases in 2008, an increase from the 19,556 cases in 2007. The major sub-categories which saw increases were motor vehicle theft, theft of bicycles, theft of motor vehicle component parts, theft from motor vehicles, shop theft and theft in dwelling.

1. Crime classes refer to the six classes of, crimes against persons, violent property crimes, housebreaking and related crimes, theft and related crimes, commercial crimes and miscellaneous crimes.

Last updated: 28-Sep-2011