A 35-year-old Singaporean woman successfully caught her part-time cleaner stealing cash from her home after setting up a surveillance camera and planting marked S$50 notes as part of a carefully planned trap. The cleaner was later sentenced to two weeks’ jail after pleading guilty to theft.
According to Shin Min Daily News, The accused, 30-year-old Myanmar national Nant Aye Thandar Soe, had been assigned to clean the woman’s flat in Bedok South Avenue 3 through home cleaning platform Helpling since September 2025. She reportedly visited the residence every Thursday and had unrestricted access to all rooms while carrying out her duties.
Homeowner Set Up CCTV After Suspecting Missing Cash
The incident began after the homeowner discovered that money had gone missing from her bag on May 27 and suspected that the cleaner was responsible. Instead of confronting her immediately, the woman decided to gather evidence.
The following day, she installed a CCTV camera inside her home and recorded the serial numbers of 20 S$50 notes. She then placed the cash inside her wallet and left the bag in a room as bait.
When the cleaner arrived at around 6:30pm for her scheduled shift, she allegedly noticed that the bag had been left open. Court documents revealed that she removed the wallet and took three S$50 notes before continuing with her cleaning duties.
Cleaner Admitted To Taking The Money
At around 8pm, the homeowner checked her belongings and discovered that the cash was missing. She confronted the cleaner, who then produced four S$50 notes from her pocket.
After comparing the recorded serial numbers, the woman confirmed that three of the notes belonged to her. The remaining S$50 note belonged to the cleaner herself. Police were subsequently called to the scene.
The cleaner later pleaded guilty via video link on June 15 and requested a lighter sentence so she could return home sooner. Taking into account her previously clean record, the court sentenced her to two weeks in jail.
Helpling Permanently Bans Cleaner
Following the incident, Helpling confirmed that the cleaner had been permanently removed and banned from its platform.
A company spokesperson said customer safety and trust remain top priorities, adding that the company is reviewing and strengthening its existing safeguards. The company also stated that all service providers undergo background checks and training before being deployed to customers’ homes.
However, the homeowner said she was disappointed with how the matter was handled and has decided not to engage the platform’s services again.
The case serves as a reminder for homeowners to remain vigilant when allowing service providers access to their homes. While such incidents remain uncommon, experts advise residents to secure valuables, install surveillance systems where necessary and promptly report any suspicious activity to the authorities.