In the quiet neighborhood of Toa Payoh, a seemingly ordinary night turned into a food delivery rider’s worst nightmare.

A closed-circuit television (CCTV) captured a man brazenly stealing his “rice bowl,” a power-assisted bicycle and its charger from outside a Housing Development Board (HDB) flat.

The E-Bike Theft Incident

The incriminating CCTV footage, shared on TikTok, showcases the thief’s audacious moves. The perpetrator, identifiable by the letters “SCDF” on his shirt, meticulously scopes out the e-bike before swiftly making his move.

The owner, a food delivery rider, was oblivious to the theft until he left his house at 1:45 am. The CCTV timestamps the incident at 1:20 am on Dec. 2, 2023. This discovery led to a cascade of events that would grip the local community.

The Owner’s Response

Upon realizing the theft, the owner promptly reported the incident to the police. However, he didn’t stop there. In the age of digital connectivity, he took to social media to share his plight, seeking assistance in recovering his stolen e-bike.

The power of social media became evident as the owner’s post gained traction. Sharing on platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram, the incident caught the attention of netizens and fellow riders, amplifying the call for justice.

The Twist: A “Misidentified Person”

As the story unfolded, a new character entered the scene—a “misidentified person” claiming innocence. The plot thickened as this individual alleged knowledge of the “real thief” and sought the removal of the incriminating video.

Negotiations ensued, revealing a peculiar agreement to return the stolen e-bike. However, this promise was shrouded in uncertainty, raising questions about the sincerity of the offer. The owner’s insistence on the return of his prized possession led to a revelation that added another layer to the saga.

The Recovery Mission

Armed with information provided by the “misidentified person,” the owner embarked on a mission to reclaim his stolen e-bike. The Mandai area became the focal point of this quest, with the rider fearing the potential disassembly and sale of his valuable asset.

After an anxious 30-minute search, the owner discovered his e-bike, though not in the condition he hoped for. The bike had allegedly been crashed, presenting a new set of challenges for the already distressed food delivery rider.

Impact on the Food Delivery Rider

The stolen e-bike wasn’t just a means of transportation for the owner; it was his livelihood. The financial setback resulting from the theft has left the rider unable to work, amplifying the consequences beyond the initial shock.

Beyond the monetary loss, the emotional toll on the food delivery rider cannot be understated. The violation of personal property and the hindrance to his work routine have taken a toll on his overall well-being.

SCDF’s Involvement

In response to the viral TikTok footage, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) acknowledged awareness. However, they emphasized the need to verify if the individual in the video is genuinely affiliated with the SCDF.

The involvement of a person wearing an SCDF t-shirt adds a layer of complexity to the incident. SCDF’s commitment to identifying the culprit raises questions about potential consequences for a member involved in such activities.

@foodpandax3 Just another ricebowl got stolen at TPY Blk 122 today at 1.20am 02/12/2023. 😭 Please help owner of the SR2 bluetag to keep a lookout at south areas. Bro forget to check at the camera located directly above. 😶‍🌫️🩵🐳 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #foodpanda #foodpandarider #foodpandadelivery #fooddeliveryrider #fooddelivery #toprider #ebike ♬ original sound – LJ MUSIC