Singapore Police Charge Fifteen for Shoplifting Spree: Retailers Urged to Enhance Security
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is taking a firm stance against shoplifting, announcing charges against fifteen individuals aged 20 to 74 for separate incidents of theft across the island. The charges, to be filed between June 9th and 10th, 2025, highlight the persistent problem of retail crime and the need for heightened vigilance among businesses. The SPF is committed to working with retailers and the community to combat shoplifting and maintain a safe shopping environment.
The accused individuals allegedly targeted a variety of retail establishments, including supermarkets, department stores, and electronics outlets. The stolen items ranged from everyday groceries to high-value electronics, underscoring the diverse nature of shoplifting offenses. The SPF emphasizes that all instances of shoplifting, regardless of the value of the stolen goods, will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
Many of the arrests were made possible thanks to the alertness of retail staff and loss prevention officers, who apprehended suspects attempting to leave stores without paying. In other cases, police investigations, leveraging CCTV footage, were instrumental in identifying and locating the alleged offenders. The SPF reiterates the critical role of security cameras in deterring crime and assisting in investigations.
Shoplifting Cases in Detail:
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key cases:
- Compass One (Cold Storage):Â A 46-year-old woman allegedly stole five grocery items worth approximately $202 on May 7th, 2025. She was detained by a loss prevention officer.
- Great World City (Cold Storage):Â A 54-year-old man is accused of stealing eight food items valued at around $80 on March 23rd, 2025. He was apprehended by a loss prevention officer.
- Causeway Point (Challenger):Â A 58-year-old man allegedly stole three audio earbuds worth approximately $687 on January 24th, 2025. Police identified him through CCTV footage.
- Junction Nine (Sheng Siong):Â A 62-year-old woman is charged with stealing two boxes of flu tablets worth around $31 on November 9th, 2024. She is also implicated in a similar theft at the same store on November 3rd, 2024.
- Vivo City (Zara):Â A 32-year-old woman allegedly stole 11 clothing items worth approximately $581 on September 9th, 2024. She was detained by retail staff. Further investigation revealed she also stole 40 items from a MUJI outlet at 100 AM mall on the same day.
- Yung Sheng Road (NTUC FairPrice):Â A 74-year-old woman faces multiple charges for shoplifting. On August 28th, 2024, she allegedly stole 27 food items worth around $74. She is also implicated in similar thefts at the same store on August 1st, 2024, and March 29th, 2024.
- Teban Gardens Road (Sheng Siong):Â A 34-year-old woman is accused of stealing seven grocery items worth around $60 on July 20th, 2024. Further investigation revealed her involvement in four earlier shoplifting incidents at the same store between July 8th and 17th, 2024.
Legal Consequences and Preventive Measures
The offense of theft in dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code 1871 carries a potential sentence of up to seven years imprisonment and a fine. The SPF is committed to holding shoplifters accountable for their actions.
With the mid-year school holidays approaching, the SPF is urging retailers to be extra vigilant and implement robust crime prevention measures. These measures include:
- Ensuring clear visibility of merchandise displays.
- Displaying prominent anti-shoplifting signage.
- Securing high-value items in locked showcases or near cashier counters.
- Installing CCTV systems with recording capabilities at store entrances and exits.
- Deploying adequate staff to patrol the premises and engage with customers.
- Implementing crowd management strategies to minimize opportunities for theft.
Strengthening Retail Security Through Collaboration
The SPF strongly encourages retailers to participate in the Shop Theft Awareness for Retailers (STAR) program. This program provides retailers with valuable insights and resources to assess their vulnerabilities and implement effective crime prevention strategies. Major retail chains like NTUC FairPrice, Sheng Siong, Watsons, and Popular have already joined the STAR program, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing retail security. Retailers can contact their nearest Neighbourhood Police Centre for more information about the STAR program. By working together, the SPF and retailers can create a safer and more secure shopping experience for all. This collaborative effort is crucial for effective risk management in the retail sector.