Among the four serious crimes police charged were store theft, the others were residential theft, sexual assault and voyeurism. In particular, voyeurism cases, which accounted for 2.4% of physical crimes in 2023, increased by 52 to 476.
The SPF also noted that incidents of robbery, snatch theft and motor vehicle theft decreased in 2023 compared to the previous year. In 2023, no such cases were reported for 277 days, which is an improvement of 36 days since 2022.
More than 46,000 fraud cases were reported in 2023, an increase of 46.8 percent from 2022. Meanwhile, the amount lost by victims decreased by 1.3 per cent to S$651.8 million (US$484 million).
Theft at a store or residence
SPF said in a press release that more than two-thirds of store thefts occurred at retail stores such as department stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and minimarts.
Items commonly stolen include food and beverages, alcoholic beverages, personal care products, cosmetics, apparel, and accessories.
Singapore jails Indonesian helper whose red packet theft was exposed on TikTok
Singapore jails Indonesian helper whose red packet theft was exposed on TikTok
Commercial thefts accounted for 19.7 percent of all physical crime incidents last year.
In response to a CNA question about the increase in store thefts, SPF said this could be the result of an increase in surveillance cameras around stores, allowing retailers to check inventory discrepancies after a crime has been committed and to detect theft. He said this means that he can submit a report on the matter. This coincides with human resource challenges and the expansion of retail space in Singapore.
SPF is “actively engaging” with the public of all ages to raise awareness of the impact of shoplifting through talks in schools, Coffee with the Police initiatives, home visits and crime prevention discussions. said.
Meanwhile, as of December 31 last year, 201 retailers were participating in the police’s Retail Store Theft Awareness Program (STAR). These include cosmetics chain Sephora and Mustafa Center in Little India.
SPF works with these retailers to analyze their stores’ risk factors and vulnerability to store theft.
Regarding theft within a dwelling, such incidents decreased by 34 to 1,695 in 2023. These incidents accounted for his 8.5 percent of all physical crime incidents.
Most of the incidents (60.2%) in residential and commercial properties were committed or suspected of being committed by perpetrators known to the victims, such as family members or tenants.
Incidents of voyeurism slightly increased
The number of cases of hidden camera footage, including panty shots, increased from 424 cases in 2022 to 476 cases, an increase of 52 cases in 2023. It accounted for 2.4% of physical crime incidents in 2023.
Voyeurs usually committed their crimes in residential areas, shopping facilities, and public transportation. Most of the incidents in residential areas (83.4%) were committed by someone known to the victim, such as a boyfriend, household member, or tenant.
Singapore jails highly ‘intrusive’ voyeur who filmed dozens of colleagues
Singapore jails highly ‘intrusive’ voyeur who filmed dozens of colleagues
The SPF said the number of incidents of voyeurism on public transport remained stable despite the increase in passenger numbers.
To address such cases, warning messages have been posted on escalators at some MRT stations starting this month. These include Dhoby Ghaut, Serangoon and Paya Lebar.
Police also plan to install more anti-camera mirrors in public restrooms. These mirrors allow restroom users to see the top of the stall without having to constantly look up.
From March 2022, they will be installed in public toilets such as Kallang Wave Mall and Punggol District Library.
Decrease in molestation cases
Meanwhile, the number of lewd acts, or molestation cases, decreased from 1,610 cases in 2022 to 1,528 cases in 2023. These accounted for his 7.7 percent of physical crime incidents.
More than half of the molestation incidents were committed by someone known to the victim, and usually occurred in residential areas, nightspots and public transport networks.
A man who was out with his wife and son in Singapore sexually assaulted a cosplayer and was sentenced to prison.
A man who was out with his wife and son in Singapore sexually assaulted a cosplayer and was sentenced to prison.
The number of infections on public transport decreased slightly, from 178 in 2022 to 169 in 2023, despite the increase in ridership.
Last November, SPF launched its first police concept train with warning messages prominently displayed on the floor and sides of MRT cars, warning would-be molesters of the consequences.
Last month, SPF and the National Crime Prevention Council also launched the fourth edition of their Safe Clubbing Campaign. The number of molestation incidents at night spots increased slightly from 129 in 2022 to 135 in 2023.
The campaign aims to promote a safe drinking environment for patrons and staff of public entertainment venues, and to equip staff with the knowledge and skills to safely handle intoxicated customers.
