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Chinese nationals linked to foreign crime rings behind wave of burglaries in Singapore

  • The suspects, believed to be transient travellers, operate in small groups and would break into residences by scaling the perimeter walls or fences

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Most of the suspects’ targets were observed to be near forested areas in Singapore, which provided cover for their activities. Photo: Bloomberg
CNA
The recent spate of housebreaking cases in Singapore’s private residential estates appears to be linked to foreign syndicates involving Chinese nationals, the police said on Saturday.

Three people have been arrested and charged in court so far, while the police are trying to locate another 14 who are currently out of Singapore.

“The police are engaging the assistance of the Chinese authorities to obtain more information and locate them. Any members of the public with information on them are encouraged to provide this information to the police,” they said.

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Based on preliminary investigations, the syndicates are believed to operate in small groups and would break into residences by scaling the perimeter walls or fences.

The suspects are believed to be transient travellers who had entered Singapore as Social Visit Pass holders, usually one to two days before committing the offence, the police said.

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After committing the crime, they would leave the scene and attempt to depart the country as soon as possible to avoid detection.

Most of their targets were observed to be near park connectors or forested areas, which provided cover for their activities. The loot was also sometimes concealed in the nearby forested areas and later retrieved by accomplices.

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