A café in Singapore’s central business district was allegedly broken into in broad daylight over the weekend, with a man making off with several hundred dollars in cash after prying open the counter and cash register.
The incident took place at a café located within CIMB Plaza at Raffles Place, an area typically associated with office crowds and heavy foot traffic during weekdays. Despite the busy surroundings, the outlet was closed at the time, which may have made it an easy target.
According to information shared by the café’s management, the break-in occurred at around 9am on a weekend morning. As the business does not operate on weekends, there were no staff present at the premises when the alleged theft took place.
Theft Discovered When Staff Returned to Open Shop
The incident only came to light two days later when employees arrived to prepare for business operations. They noticed signs of forced entry and quickly checked the cash register, where they discovered that cash had gone missing.
Management was immediately alerted, and a review of the closed-circuit television footage revealed how the incident allegedly unfolded. The footage showed a man wearing a baseball cap and carrying a backpack entering the café and approaching the service counter.
After scanning his surroundings, the suspect reportedly climbed behind the counter and began tampering with the cash register. He was seen prying it open and removing the cash inside, before placing the money into his backpack while continuing to look around cautiously.
Suspect Attempted to Access Other Areas
CCTV footage also showed the man heading towards the back area of the café after emptying the cash register. He allegedly attempted to pry open additional cabinets using a tool, but left shortly after failing to gain access to them.
According to the café’s spokesperson, a total of S$368 was stolen during the incident. In addition to the cash loss, the lock on the cash register was damaged, resulting in additional repair costs for the business.
The spokesperson added that the café has been operating at the Raffles Place location for several years and had not previously experienced a similar incident. The break-in came as a shock, particularly given that it occurred during daylight hours in a commercial district known for its security presence.
Police Investigation Underway
A police report was lodged soon after the discovery, and the CCTV footage has been handed over to assist with investigations. Authorities have confirmed that a report was received and that inquiries are ongoing.
The case has raised concerns among nearby businesses, especially those that remain closed on weekends. Retail operators in the central business district often assume reduced risk outside operating hours, but the incident highlights vulnerabilities even in well-monitored commercial zones.
Following the break-in, the café has decided to change its cash-handling procedures. Management stated that cash will no longer be left in the registers overnight and will instead be secured in safes to reduce the risk of future losses.
The incident serves as a reminder to businesses across Singapore to remain vigilant, review their security measures and consider additional safeguards, even in areas perceived to be low-risk.
Image source: Shin Min