Five men aged between 19 and 24 have been arrested after they allegedly stole a motorcycle parked in Woodlands and used it for a joyride.
According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), officers were alerted to a case of motorcycle theft along Woodlands Close on Jun. 13 at around 11:20am after the owner reported that the vehicle had gone missing.
Investigations revealed that the incident had actually taken place several days earlier, on Jun. 10 at around 2:30am.
Group Allegedly Push-Started Motorcycle Before Riding Off
Preliminary investigations found that the five men had allegedly spotted an unattended motorcycle parked at a building along Woodlands Close.
The group then reportedly managed to push-start the motorcycle before one of them rode it away for a joyride.
Police later recovered the stolen motorcycle.
The authorities did not disclose how far the motorcycle was taken or where it was eventually found.
Police Tracked Down Suspects Within 13 Hours
Police officers established the identities of the five suspects through ground enquiries and with the assistance of surveillance camera footage.
All five men were arrested within 13 hours after the police report was lodged.
The swift arrests highlight the increasing role that CCTV systems and police investigations play in solving crimes in Singapore.
Men To Be Charged With Theft Of Motor Vehicle
The five men were scheduled to be charged in court on Jun. 15 for the offence of theft of a motor vehicle with common intention.
Under Singapore law, the offence carries a penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Police investigations are also ongoing against a 24-year-old suspect for an additional offence of riding a motorcycle without a valid driving licence.
Police Remind Vehicle Owners To Remain Vigilant
Following the incident, police advised all vehicle owners to adopt crime prevention measures to reduce the risk of theft.
Motorists are encouraged to ensure their vehicles are properly secured, avoid leaving keys unattended, and park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
Owners can also consider installing anti-theft devices or parking in locations covered by surveillance cameras.
While Singapore remains one of the safest countries in the world, authorities regularly remind the public that unattended vehicles can still become targets of opportunistic crimes.
Anyone who notices suspicious activity is encouraged to report it to the police immediately.