Lift robber arrested

SINGAPORE - The police have arrested a 47-year-old man suspected of committing robbery in the Jurong West public housing estate.

On July 11 at about 1 pm, the 64-year-old female victim was robbed of her purse by an unknown male suspect in the lift at a HDB block in Jurong West St 61.

Officers from the Jurong Police Division established the suspect's identity after investigations and arrested him in the vicinity of Jurong West St 61 on July 31 at about 10.40 pm.

If convicted of robbery, the suspect faces a jail term of up to 14 years.

In addition, the police advises members of the public to adopt the following crime prevention tips:

- Be wary of strangers loitering at lift landings or void decks.

- Arrange for a relative or friend to escort you when returning home late.

- Stand beside the lift control panel while taking the lift alone. Press the 'DOOR OPEN' button to exit if any stranger rushes in. If this is not possible, exit at the next lift landing to use the staircase or wait for the next lift.

- Avoid wearing excessive jewellery or carrying large sums of cash when going out alone.

minlee@sph.com.sg