A 60-year-old man is set to face charges in court after he was arrested in connection with a suspected housebreaking case at a private residential estate in the Upper Paya Lebar area.
According to a police statement, officers were alerted to the incident at around 9.12pm on Feb. 28. The case involved a landed property located within How Sun Estate, situated off Upper Paya Lebar Road. The quiet neighbourhood, known for its cluster of terrace and semi-detached homes, was reportedly the target of the alleged break-in.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is believed to have unlawfully entered the residential unit and removed cash amounting to S$400, along with a luxury branded wristwatch valued at S$38,900.
Arrest Made After Police Investigations
Officers from the Ang Mo Kio Police Division conducted ground enquiries following the report and reviewed footage obtained from police cameras and nearby closed-circuit television systems. Through these efforts, the suspect’s identity was established.
The 60-year-old man was subsequently arrested on Mar. 3. The luxury timepiece believed to have been taken during the incident was recovered and seized as a case exhibit. Investigations are ongoing.
If convicted of housebreaking, the accused may face a jail term of up to 10 years, in addition to a possible fine under Singapore law. Housebreaking offences are treated seriously due to the violation of residential security and the potential emotional distress caused to homeowners.
Police Urge Homeowners To Strengthen Security Measures
In light of the case, the Singapore Police Force has reiterated the importance of adopting preventive security measures. Property owners are encouraged to ensure that all doors, roller shutters and windows are properly secured with high-quality grilles and padlocks, even if leaving their homes unattended for a short duration.
Residents are also advised not to keep large sums of cash or valuable items within their premises. Installing burglar alarm systems, motion-sensor lighting and CCTV surveillance covering entry points can further deter criminal activity. Authorities recommend testing these systems regularly to ensure they remain operational.
As property values in landed estates continue to rise, security experts note that visible deterrents such as surveillance cameras and alarm systems can play a crucial role in protecting high-value assets. Police have emphasised that community vigilance, coupled with technological safeguards, remains key to reducing crime in residential neighbourhoods across Singapore.