Man arrested for stealing abalone from supermarket

SINGAPORE - A 54-year-old male suspect was arrested by the police in a shoplifting incident at a Vivocity supermarket.

The police was informed of the theft on Jan 21. Six cans of abalone amounting to almost $417 were stolen from the supermarket.

Through CCTV footage, Crime Strike Force (CSF) officers from Bukit Merah West Neighbourhood police centre conducted extensive ground enquiries in order to track down the suspect.

The suspect was subsequently arrested in Tampines at about 9pm on Jan 26.

He will be charged in court on Jan 28. If convicted, he may be jailed for a maximum of seven years or be fined or face both punishments.

The authorities would like to remind all retail outlets to be more vigilant during the festive period to prevent shoplifting incidents.

Retailers are advised to adhere to the following preventive measures:

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

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

- 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;

- Use an electronic tagging system;

- Display advisory signage or warnings against shop theft; and

- Advise all staff to be observant and vigilant.

ssandrea@sph.com.sg