How to prevent crime this Chinese New Year

SINGAPORE - The police have issued an advisory to remind all members of the public to keep vigilant and taking appropriate crime prevention measures as the Chinese New Year celebrations begin.

The public should also be aware that while the importation and sale of some types of sparklers are legal, the use of sparklers should be done in a responsible manner according to the safety guidelines prescribed by the manufacturer.

Anyone caught using sparklers for improvised explosive devices may be prosecuted in court.

Here are measures recommended by the police to prevent crimes such as housebreaking, theft, robbery, car rental scams and shop theft:

Housebreaking

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

b) Secure all doors and windows before retiring to bed or when leaving your house unattended, even for a short while;

c) Install a burglar alarm, sensor light and/or close circuit surveillance camera to cover the access points into your premises. Ensure that they are tested periodically and in good working condition;

d) Do not leave large amounts of cash in your home. All cash, jewellery and valuable items should be kept in a bank or in a good quality safe that is anchored to the wall/floor to prevent the safe from being carted away;

e) If you are going on a vacation, you should also:

i. entrust family members or neighbours to conduct regular visits to your home while you are away;

ii. make arrangements to suspend your newspaper subscriptions as uncollected newspapers are tell-tale signs that a house is not occupied; and

iii. inform your Neighbourhood Police Centre of your absence.

Theft

a) Be alert and attentive to your surroundings;

b) Never leave your personal belongings like handbag, wallet or mobile phones unattended in public places such as on a table at eateries or in a shopping trolley;

c) Do not be distracted by strangers creating a commotion or accidentally bumping/spilling something onto you;

d) Avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you;

e) Do not adorn your children with gold jewellery as they are easy targets for potential criminals; and

f) Avoid placing your wallet in your back pocket and always remember to sling your handbag in front of you and ensure that it is fastened or zipped at all times.

Snatch Theft / Robbery

a. Do not disclose your schedule to exchange new notes or withdraw money;

b. Get someone to accompany you for the transaction if withdrawing large amount of money;

c. Be aware of stranger(s) loitering around the ATM or bank before or when withdrawing money;

d. Conceal your notes before leaving the bank outlet or ATM; and

e. Be aware of distraction techniques employed by potential criminals such as dropping cash on the floor.

Car Rental Scam

a. Rent vehicle from reputable car rental companies;

b. Check with Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) to confirm that the car rental business is a registered one;

c. Insist on a documentation of the rental details, such as for the payment and particulars of the parties involved, and keep a copy for your reference; and

d. Request to see the vehicle and its identification document to verify the ownership.

Shop Theft

Police would also like to remind retail outlets to be extra vigilant against shop thieves during the festive period, especially when large crowds throng the shopping malls and supermarkets for festive goods. Shop theft is a crime and those who commit such offences can expect to face the consequences of flouting the law.

Police have also been working with the managements of retail chains to implement anti-shop theft measures at their outlets and hope that all retailers take greater responsibility and ownership of the issue. Such offences can be sufficiently prevented if adequate measures are put in place.

Hence, retailers should:

a) Display expensive items in locked display shelves, which are only accessible by the staff;

b) Enhance the store's security system by installing CCTVs and convex mirrors. Ensure that the cameras are in good working condition;

c) Avoid displaying expensive goods such as canned abalone near the store's entry and exit points. They should be placed at strategic locations within your premises where they can be monitored by staff or placed under CCTV surveillance. Use empty cans for those near the entry and exit points;

d) Use an electronic tagging system;

e) Display advisory signage or warnings against shop theft; and

f) Advise all staff to be observant and vigilant.

ljessica@sph.com.sg