Police arrest 21-year-old serial robber

Police have arrested a 21-year-old Singaporean man on October 3, 2013 for suspected involvement in a series of robberies and snatch thefts. In these cases, the suspect targeted the elderly, aged between 62 to 77 years.

Between September 19 and September 27, 2013, five cases of robberies and snatch thefts were reported in the vicinity of Bishan, Kim Keat Link, Boon Keng Road and North Bridge Road.  Handbags and cash amounting to more than $600 were stolen. In addition, two of the victims suffered fractures on their shoulder and hand respectively.

A task force comprising officers from the various branches of Tanglin Police Division was set up to apprehend the culprit. Following extensive investigations and ground enquiries, the officers managed to establish the identity of the suspect. He was subsequently arrested during an operation on October 3 at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3.

The suspect will be charged in Subordinate Court 26 on October. If found guilty of the offence of Robbery with Hurt under Section 394 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, he faces a jail term of between five years and twenty years, and caning of not less than 12 strokes. The offence of Snatch Theft under Section 356 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, carries an imprisonment term of between one year and seven years, and caning.

candicec@sph.com.sg