Residents of the Toh Yi estate in Singapore have been cautioned to remain vigilant after reports surfaced of a man in his 30s allegedly following children and attempting to solicit their phone numbers. The individual, described as bespectacled, has reportedly been seen loitering near Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School and a playground located at Block 2 Toh Yi Drive.
The concerns were raised by the Toh Yi Residents’ Network, which issued an advisory after the man was observed following a young girl and her caregiver back to their Housing and Development Board (HDB) block. This alarming behavior has prompted parents in the community to take extra precautions regarding their children’s safety.
The situation escalated when parents began to draw parallels between this alleged stalker and a separate incident that occurred at Thomson Plaza on November 5. In that incident, a father confronted a man who had approached his nine-year-old daughter while she was alone at a claw machine. The man, identified as John, was seen asking the girl for her phone number. After the father learned of the encounter, he returned to the arcade to confront John, who admitted to having ongoing conversations with several young girls and claimed he was merely trying to “make friends.”
During the confrontation, John revealed that he had a pending sexual case against him and acknowledged that his behavior was inappropriate. He also provided his contact information to the father and promised to delete any messages he had exchanged with young girls.
In the aftermath of the Thomson Plaza incident, a post allegedly written by John’s mother circulated online, explaining that he has autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She described how his conditions lead to impulsive behavior that often results in misunderstandings and trouble. She expressed concern for the safety of children and urged the community to allow authorities to handle the situation appropriately.
The Toh Yi Residents’ Network has emphasized the importance of community awareness and vigilance in light of these incidents. Parents are encouraged to discuss safety measures with their children and to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities. As the situation develops, residents remain on high alert, hoping for a swift resolution to ensure the safety of their children.