Mailbox: When you spot a criminal act in progress...

We thank Ms Ada Chan Siew Foen for her letter ("How to react to criminal acts?"; May 24) to find out what members of the public can do when they spot a criminal act in progress.

As time is of the essence when a crime is in progress, the public should call 999 immediately to alert the police. They should provide their location, a brief description of the incident and other details that the 999 operator may require, so that police officers can respond quickly to the case.

Where possible, try to obtain a good description of the criminal, such as height, gender, approximate age, attire and any other distinctive physical features. If a vehicle was used during or after the commission of an offence, note down its licence plate number, make and colour.

Anyone who has recorded photographs or video clips that may be evidence of a crime should inform the police officer at the scene, or submit them online via www.spf.gov.sg/CrimeStopper

The police may subsequently contact the provider of the photograph or video clip if more information is required.

Ho Yenn Dar (Superintendent)

Assistant Director (Public Communications Division)

Public Affairs Department

Singapore Police Force

This article was first published on June 05, 2014.
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