Police arrest 3 in series of break-ins at coffeeshops

SINGAPORE - Police have arrested three men, aged 22 to 24, for suspected involvement in a series of break-ins at coffeeshops and eateries in industrial estates islandwide.

The police said in a statement today (April 29) that they received a report about a break-in at a coffeeshop in an industrial estate in Marsiling Road on April 14. Cash, cigarettes and drinks were reported stolen.

Sensing that the reported crime could be part of a series of cases reported in other industrial estates, the police said they coordinated investigations to establish the identities of the suspects.

The three men were arrested after a six-hour operation on Tuesday. The police said they also seized some cigarettes, which are believed to be loot from the break-ins.

Two of the three men, aged 23 and 24, will be charged in court tomorrow for housebreaking and theft by night. If found guilty, the men could be jailed up to 14 years and fined.

The police said that the other suspect, 22, will be charged for dishonestly receiving stolen property. He could be jailed up to five years and fined, if found guilty.

sinsh@sph.com.sg