3 boys' alertness leads to arrest of thief

SINGAPORE - Police have arrested a 17-year-old boy for suspected involvement in a case of theft along Lengkok Bahru.

On Nov 10, 2013 at about 2pm, three students, all 12 years old, were watching an exhibition when they noticed the 17-year-old taking a pouch that was left unattended on a table.

The students recognised the youth to be someone from their neighbourhood. They alerted the organisers and managed to trace the victim who affirmed that the pouch belonged to her.

The students, together with the victim, went to look for the suspect. Upon spotting him, they gave chase but lost sight of him.

The students recalled that the suspect is usually seen at one of the corridors at a nearby block. They went up the block and when they saw the youth, they detained him.

Police arrived shortly after and arrested the teenager.

If convicted, the teenager can face a maximum jail term of three years imprisonment, or with fine or both.

Commander of Clementi Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Melvin Yong, commended the students for their alertness which led to the arrest of the suspect.

He added that this arrest represents yet another illustration of the strong partnership between the community and the Police in fighting crime together.

spanaech@sph.com.sg