Screwdriver-wielding robber arrested

SINGAPORE - Police have arrested a 35-year-old man for alleged armed robbery in a lift at Boon Lay Drive.

On May 24 at about 7.40 pm, he had used a screwdriver to rob a 48-year-old woman of her mobile phone and valuables in the lift at a HDB block.

He was spotted behaving suspiciously near Boon Lay Drive, and was arrested on June 1 at about 11.30pm.

He will be charged in Court for the offence of Armed Robbery, which carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and up to 12 strokes of the cane.

Some crime prevention measures recommended by the police:

- Refrain from carrying excessive cash or jewellery, especially when alone and/or in secluded areas. Refrain from wearing or exposing your jewellery or money in public that could potentially make you easy targets for crime.

- Be wary of your surroundings, especially of suspicious persons who could be following you.

- When confronted, you should remain calm. You should not put up a struggle especially if the culprit is armed with sharp objects like a knife or penknife. Try to take note as much details of the culprit as you can, such as appearance, clothing, height and other physical description. Do also take note of the culprit's direction and mode of escape.

-Call the Police immediately at '999' as soon as it is safe to do so.

natlim@sph.com.sg