Housebreaker surrenders after media appeal issued

SINGAPORE - Police have arrested a 41-year-old man for suspected involvement in a break-in after he surrendered himself to the police.

On Aug 31, 2013, a police report was lodged by the victim who found an unknown suspect inside her house at Blk 566 Hougang Street 51.

She shouted at the suspect, who fled.

The victim made a search and discovered her handbag and some personal clothing worth about $3,300 were missing.

The victim recognised the suspect from a previous incident where the suspect had loitered suspiciously outside her house.

The quick-thinking victim took a picture of the suspect at that time using her handphone.

On Sep 9, 2013, an appeal for information on the suspect's identity was issued through the media and on the Facebook pages of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Neighbourhood Police Centres in Ang Mo Kio Police Division.

On Sep 9, 2013 at about 9pm, the suspect surrendered himself to the police after he was told by his next-of-kin that his picture was circulated on various online media websites.

Preliminary investigations revealed that he is believed to have committed a break-in to commit theft of valuables and clothing.

If convicted, he can face a maximum punishment of 10 years' imprisonment.

Commander of Ang Mo Kio Police Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Keok Tong San, said, "This a fine example where the media was instrumental in the solving of the case. The Police will continue to leverage on the media and social media as tools in the fight against crime".

He also urged members of public to secure their premises at all times, especially before leaving home or when they are engaged in other household chores.

spanaech@sph.com.sg