Viral photo of well-dressed man carrying items near HDB lift lobby draws mixed public reactions
A social media post alleging that a man stole a kick scooter and two pairs of shoes from a public housing block in Choa Chu Kang has gone viral, drawing hundreds of comments and reactions from netizens — many of whom are divided on whether the act was criminal theft or a civic duty.
The post, shared by a user in the “Complaint Singapore” Facebook group, included a clear image of a well-dressed elderly man walking away with the said items. According to the post, the incident occurred at a lift landing, and a police report has been filed.
The caption read: “Please congratulate this well-dressed uncle who stole a kickscooter + 2 pair of shoe at CCK. Police report made. Please share so uncle can be famous.” While some netizens condemned the man’s actions, others were quick to question whether the items might have appeared abandoned, especially since the corridor appeared cluttered with various household items.
Public Split Over Definition of Theft and Misuse of Shared Spaces
As the post gained traction, opinions poured in from every corner of Singapore’s digital community. One user remarked, “Looks like my neighbour. His name is Mister Goh Gek Fark.” Another cheekily suggested, “Maybe he’s from town council helping to clear the mess.” Others questioned whether the original poster had malicious intent, with one commenter writing, “TS blatantly accused the man in the photo, and a new account? Sounds fishy.”
Numerous users pointed out that the lift landing area was already packed with shoes, racks, and miscellaneous items, which may have led the man to believe they were discarded or abandoned. Some even argued that corridor hoarding presents serious fire safety risks and should be cleared anyway.
“Usually items at lift area are for clearance. Maybe he thought it was wasteful to throw away,” one commenter noted. Another added, “SCDF should patrol and work with town councils to clear such obstructions. It’s a danger during emergencies.”
Town Council Enforcement and Corridor Clutter in the Spotlight
The controversy has reopened a familiar debate in Singapore about the use of common areas in HDB blocks. Public housing corridors and lift lobbies are regulated under the Fire Safety Act and HDB’s Town Council by-laws, which prohibit residents from using these shared areas as personal storage spaces. Violations can lead to notices, fines, or forced clearance.
“It’s not about whether he stole. The question is, why is so much junk allowed next to the lift in the first place?” one user asked.
With fire safety, community policing, and shared responsibility at the forefront of the discussion, this incident has become a mirror reflecting broader issues in densely populated estates. From poorly enforced regulations to neighbourly disputes, the case continues to draw attention.
As of now, the man’s identity remains unknown to the public, and authorities have not yet issued a statement. Netizens are urged not to jump to conclusions or engage in vigilante behaviour, and instead report suspicious activity to the appropriate channels such as the Singapore Police Force or respective town councils.