A resident residing in a low-rise HDB flat located in the Alexandra area woke up one morning to an unexpected surprise: his previously white Adidas slides had magically transformed into black.
The resident, who had purchased the white slides for S$30, was startled to find a pair of black slippers resembling his own model left outside the corridor overnight.
According to the resident, when his mother first noticed the change, he decided to investigate further.
He reviewed the footage captured by a surveillance camera installed outside his home, which was pointed towards the corridor, in an attempt to uncover the truth behind this mysterious incident.
Upon reviewing the footage, it became apparent that his slippers had been taken earlier that morning on June 7th at approximately 6 am.
The video showed two individuals walking past his unit initially, but they soon retraced their steps and stopped in front of his door, appearing to examine something on the ground.
The resident suspected that these two individuals might have swapped one of their slippers for his.
Interestingly, the black slippers they left behind closely resembled his original white Adidas slides, although they featured nine stripes instead of the usual seven, suggesting that they were knock-offs.
Deeply concerned about the situation, the resident promptly filed a police report to report the incident.
Block shopping
Block-shopping refers to the act of stealing shoes left outside HDB flat doors or in common areas such as corridors and stairwells.
Perpetrators typically strike during the night, under the cover of darkness, seizing the opportunity to snatch footwear and make a quick getaway.
Shoes of various types and brands, ranging from sneakers to sandals, have fallen victim to this brazen theft.
The increasing prevalence of block-shopping has raised significant concerns among HDB residents. Many individuals view their shoes as valuable possessions and often take pride in their collection.
With the fear of losing their cherished footwear, residents are now more vigilant and cautious about leaving their shoes unattended, even for a brief moment.
Prevention
Residents are advised to take certain precautions to minimize the risk of falling victim to block-shopping. These include:
- Avoid leaving shoes unattended in common areas or outside the flat door.
- Consider installing a secure shoe rack inside the flat or near the entrance.
- Utilize proper lighting in common areas to deter potential thieves.
- Get to know your neighbors and establish a sense of community watch.
- Consider using security devices such as CCTV cameras or motion sensor lights.