A 14-year-old teenager and his accomplice allegedly robbed a barber shop in Katong Shopping Centre on 14 October, armed with a lighter that was shaped like a gun.
They allegedly robbed the victim of $900, before later allegedly being involved in a case of theft in dwelling – the duo were later arrested within 24 hours of their barber robbery.
They were charged in court earlier today with robbery.
The 14-year-old cannot be named under the Children and Young Persons Act while his accomplice, a 36-year-old Malaysian national Ho Heen Seng was also charged.
The Singapore Police Force said that they were alerted to the robbery which took place at 865 Mountbatten Road on 14 October at about 10pm.
They threatened the victim, a 71-year-old man, with the lighter that was shaped like a gun, before restraining him and stealing his cash.
They then fled the scene with the loot after the victim shouted for help, leaving the lighter behind – the police said that nobody was injured in the incident.
Officers from the CID, Police Intelligence Department and Bedok Police Division were then activated and the alleged robbers were then identified and arrested within 24 hours through the use of CCTVs and police cameras.
Cash was also recovered and seized from them.
Police investigations also revealed that the duo were also allegedly involved in another case of theft in dwelling along Sims Place on 15 October at about 12.30am.
A 40-year-old victim has lost two of her watches, a necklace, as well as a bag.
A 31-year-old woman was also arrested for dishonestly receiving stolen property after a necklace was recovered and seized from her.