'Noticed Singapore was nice and rich': Foreigner gets jail for burgling homes, hotel suite

A Chinese national was sentenced to three years and eight months' jail on Friday (Aug 14) after burgling homes on his first visit to Singapore last year. 

Huang Xiaozong, 41, broke into two houses in Serangoon and a suite at Capella Singapore, stealing an estimated $105,750 worth of valuables, CNA reported.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of housebreaking, and an additional count of trespass was taken into consideration for sentencing.

Police previously recovered stolen jewellery, including a pair of wedding rings, a diamond-studded pendant, several necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings, and seized $1,000 in cash, four ez-link cards, a cap and a wig during their investigations.

Considered Singapore 'very nice and rich'

The court heard that Huang had visited Singapore for the first time on Dec 5, 2025, and noticed that the country was "very nice and rich". 

He had thoughts of "stealing things" to earn money and would target homes that appeared unoccupied in wealthier areas of the island, reported CNA.

On Dec 6, 2025, he broke into a suite at The Knolls at Capella Singapore after noticing the lights were off and nobody was inside. He forced open the sliding door of a rear balcony to enter.

The person who occupied it periodically was overseas at the time, and the theft was only discovered two days later by a housekeeper.

Huang stole valuables with an estimated total value of $58,000, including a Chanel watch, five rings and a gold necklace.

On Dec 7 at about 8pm, he broke into a home in Serangoon that was dark and appeared unoccupied, by climbing over a metal gate.

He stole items worth about $47,750 including two Tiffany & Co wedding rings, diamond earrings and gold necklaces.

The owner returned home at 8.40pm. She noticed that her dressing table was in disarray and realised that some items had gone missing. Her husband then called the police.

Huang also trespassed into another home, but was spotted by a domestic helper. He fled the scene and returned to his hotel in Little India.

The next day, he moved to Harbour Ville Hotel at Kampong Bahru Road, where the police arrested him later that evening.

Those found guilty of housebreaking may be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.

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drimac@asiaone.com