Police arrest serial thief who targeted elderly victims

SINGAPORE - A man believed to be responsible for a spate of thefts targeting elderly victims was arrested by the police on Wednesday.

Earlier on September 5, a 64-year-old victim, who was wheelchair-bound, reported than an unknown man had stolen his cash of about $15 in the vicinity of Bukit Merah Central.

Police officers were able to obtain CCTV footage of the incident, which led them to the arrest of the 54-year-old suspect in Jalan Bukit Merah on September 11.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is believed to be responsible for other similar theft cases in the vicinity of Bukit Merah housing estate.

The suspect will be charged in Court on Friday for the offence of Theft under Section 379 of the Penal Code Chapter 224, which carries a maximum punishment of three years imprisonment and a fine.

ellenja@sph.com.sg