Outram residents to troublemakers: We're watching you

SINGAPORE - Spurred by incidents of crime in her estate, a pint-sized bus attendant decided to sign up with the Citizens on Patrol (COP) programme at a York Hill void deck on Saturday.

The programme was one of 12 showcased at a first-ever multi-agency social service roadshow in a housing estate by the Kreta Ayer Social Service Office. Most of the HDB flats in the Outram neighbourhood are rental flats.

Other agencies taking part in the roadshow included the Workforce Development Authority, which set up a jobs kiosk for job seekers, and the Central Singapore Community Development Council, which sought to help residents in money matters.

About 500 of the 5,000 residents in the Jalan Kukoh area attended, with 200 of them signing up for various initiatives.

Madam Sunarti Satidja, 46, said she signed up with the COP to be more aware of crime on the ground.

"I can know which areas are more dangerous, tell my children and ask them to tell their friends too," said the mother of four.

About three years ago, a neighbour fell victim to snatch theft in one of the lifts and a necklace worth about $7,000 was yanked from her neck, Madam Sunarti said.

The area also has people dying alone at home, fights and drug abuse.

Items placed outside her flat are not safe from theft.

Saturday was the first time Madam Sunarti heard of the programme.

"It's good for me and my children to work with them.

"And if any crime takes place, I will know how to act," she said.

COP groups are trained by the police and function as their eyes and ears, and they alert the police when they see suspicious activities or people.

Children's safety

Children's safety was also on the mind of Mr Lim Siak Leng, 37, a conservancy supervisor who signed up with COP.

"Just two months ago, a drug addict approached me asking for $30 (to buy more drugs)," said Mr Lim, who has a four-year-old daughter.

Another resident who found the roadshow helpful was Mr Silvadurai Krishnan, 43, an ex-security officer who has been unemployed since he became bedridden seven years ago.

On Saturday, he registered his nine-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son for free English and mathematics tuition, as part of the Jalan Kukoh Residents' Committee's Catch Plus programme.

"They are just doing okay in their studies. It's better if they can improve their scores," he said.

Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Lily Neo said the problems plaguing the neighbourhood required a multi-agency approach.

The roadshow was to inform to inform residents of what help was available to them and also to find out their different needs, she said.

wrennie@sph.com.sg

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