A late-night vandalism incident at a popular Mexican restaurant in Singapore’s Orchard Road shopping belt is now under police investigation after damage was caused to a closed outlet at 313@Somerset.
According to the police, officers received a call for assistance at around 4:30am on Apr. 27 at 313 Orchard Road. A 17-year-old teenager and a 22-year-old man are currently assisting with investigations related to alleged mischief offences. No injuries were reported, and investigations remain ongoing.
The affected restaurant, Chimi’s, later confirmed that its outlet at 313@Somerset had been vandalised during the incident.
In a statement shared online, the restaurant said individuals had allegedly damaged chairs and forced their way into the premises while the outlet was closed.
The eatery stated that preliminary findings showed the group had “taken and damaged” chairs before forcing entry into the unit, resulting in damage to the restaurant’s blinds. Despite the incident, the business said operations at the outlet have continued as normal.
CCTV Footage Captures Group Outside Closed Restaurant
Footage from the restaurant’s CCTV system, later uploaded onto social media, appeared to show several individuals lingering outside the shuttered premises in the early hours of the morning.
One person was allegedly seen bending part of the restaurant’s blinds before entering the outlet and sitting inside. Loud clattering sounds were later heard in the footage, with an object appearing to be thrown onto the ground outside the premises.
Another segment of the video allegedly showed a chair being swung towards a nearby construction barrier, while voices in the background could be heard reacting to the situation.
Towards the end of the clip, another individual appeared to confront the group and warned them that the police would be contacted.
The footage quickly circulated online, sparking discussions on social media about late-night public behaviour, youth misconduct and commercial property damage in Singapore’s busy shopping districts.
Restaurant Says Incident Was Difficult For Staff To Watch
In a separate social media post, the restaurant described the incident as upsetting for its team members, especially after operating at the Somerset location for the past four years.
The business said it was “hard to watch” individuals allegedly enter the premises while it was closed and damage property “for no reason” while others nearby allegedly cheered them on.
The restaurant added that it intends to repair the damage and continue serving customers as usual.
Management also revealed that they are currently handling the matter directly with the parents of those involved, expressing hope that the incident can become a learning experience for the individuals concerned.
The company further thanked the building’s management team and security personnel for responding quickly to the incident.
The case has once again placed attention on security and vandalism concerns affecting Singapore businesses, especially outlets operating in high-footfall commercial areas such as Orchard Road.