26-7-2023 (SINGAPORE) Singaporean police arrested a 24-year-old man on Monday for allegedly stealing a piece of jewellery worth more than S$27,000 (US$20,320). According to the authorities, the suspect posed as a legitimate buyer and met the victim at 6:40pm on Sunday to complete the transaction. However, after meeting the victim, the man allegedly took the piece of jewellery and fled.
Following up on investigations, officers from the Central Police Division managed to identify the suspect and subsequently arrested him on Monday. The stolen jewellery was also recovered.
The man will be charged with theft in court on Wednesday and could face a prison sentence of up to three years and a fine if convicted.
The police have urged the public to take precautions when meeting strangers to exchange goods. This includes meeting in well-lit, public places with high footfall and being accompanied by a friend or family member. Avoid bringing unnecessary valuables or large sums of money to the meeting, and refrain from openly displaying expensive items before the transaction is complete. It is also recommended to meet at locations with surveillance cameras.
