$12,000 worth of valuables stolen in Telok Blangah housebreaking incident

SINGAPORE - The police have arrested a 28-year-old male suspect for his involvement in a housebreaking case at Telok Blangah Rise.

At about 5.50pm on Jan 20, the owner reported to the authorities that her home had been broken into. Her belongings amounting to about $12,000 were gone.

Central Police Division officers conducted extensive ground enquiries and established the suspect's identity with the help of CCTV cameras as well.

The suspect was arrested in Woodlands at about 3.30pm on Jan 26. The police managed to recover several watches, some jewellery items, a laptop, a mobile phone as well as a luxury bag. These will be used as case exhibits.

The suspect will be charged on Jan 28. If convicted, he may face a maximum jail term of 10 years.

The public is advised by the police to adopt the following crime prevention measures:

- Ensure that all doors, windows and other openings are well-secured with good quality grilles and padlocks;

- Secure all doors and windows before sleeping or when leaving your house unattended, even if it's for a short while;

- Install a burglar alarm, sensor light and/or closed circuit surveillance camera to cover the access points into your premises

- Avoid keeping large sums of cash and/or valuables at home; and

- If you are going away for a prolonged period, suspend your newspaper subscription(s) and arrange for someone to check on your home regularly

ssandrea@sph.com.sg