Couple arrested for smartphone theft

SINGAPORE - Police have arrested a 20-year-old man and his 23-year-old wife in relation to a case of theft that happened at a mobile phone shop along Race Course Road.

On Nov 7, 2013 at about 4.30pm, the staff of the shop was attending to a female customer's request when she suddenly ran out of the shop and boarded a taxi. The staff then realised that two smartphones, valued at $1,790 in total, were missing from the shop and reported the matter to the Police.

Officers from Central Police Division conducted extensive investigations and arrested the female customer on Nov 11, 2013 at about 4.20pm.

The 20 year-old husband of the female customer was also arrested as he was suspected to be her accomplice in the crime committed.

The offence is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and a fine.

Commander of Central Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC) Daniel Tan commended his officers for their good investigative work and excellent teamwork which led to the arrests.

He has also advised retailers to adopt crime prevention measures such as installing CCTV cameras, anti-theft alarms and securing merchandises with locks and cables to prevent theft from occurring in their shops.

spanaech@sph.com.sg