PUBLISHED ONJune 21, 2026 4:49 AMBYLim KeweiA part-time maid was caught nicking cash from a homeowner in Bedok, who had specially set up a "trap" after suspecting that the helper had previously stolen from her.
Myanmar national Nant Aye Thandar Soe, 30, was sentenced to two weeks' jail after she pleaded guilty to the theft on June 15.
Court documents seen by AsiaOne stated that the woman had stolen three $50 banknotes in a Bedok HDB flat on May 28.
According to Shin Min Daily News, Nant Aye Thandar Soe worked as a part-time maid with home services company Helpling Singapore, and has been cleaning the victim's home since September 2025.
The helper arrived at the Bedok flat for the usual weekly cleaning on May 28, and noticed an unzipped bag in one of the rooms.
She went through the bag, and took $150 from a wallet left inside.
About an hour later, her employer checked her belongings and discovered some money had gone missing.
Nant Aye Thandar Soe presented four $50 banknotes from her pocket, three of which the homeowner recognised as hers through the serial numbers on the notes.
It turned out that the employer had devised a trick after realising a day ago that she was missing cash, reported Shin Min.
To find out if the culprit was her part-time maid, she installed a CCTV camera and planted 20 $50 banknotes in her wallet, with each of their serial numbers copied down.
In court, Nant Aye Thandar Soe reportedly pleaded for leniency, apologising for the theft and promising not to repeat her actions.
Helpling Singapore told the Chinese evening daily that it has banned the helper from its platform.
A spokesperson said all its service providers must undergo comprehensive background checks and pre-job training before joining the platform.
The firm is currently reviewing and further strengthening relevant measures to improve service and security standards, the spokesperson reportedly said.
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lim.kewei@asiaone.com
