Police have arrested a 51 year-old Malaysian national who is believed to be responsible for numerous cases of theft in dwelling at various housing estates by posing as an electrician.
The ‘bogus electrician’ was known to target elderly persons and would pose as an electrician to gain entry into the victim’s unit on the pretext of checking/repairing the power supply. Upon entering the premises, the victim would be asked by the suspect to hold a bamboo pole against a light bulb in the kitchen toilet to facilitate the checks. The suspect would then take this opportunity to steal cash and/or jewelry from the premises while the victim was occupied. In the latest case reported on 26 October 2010, a 76 year-old woman living at Bendemeer Road fell prey to the ‘bogus electrician’ who made off with about $10,000 cash and $4,000 worth of jewelry.
Following these cases, officers from Central Police Division conducted extensive enquiries and investigations in a bid to nab the suspect. Police also issued a crime alert via the media on the suspect’s description and modus operandi, together with a crime prevention advisory to warn members of the public against him.
The officers’ hard work and perseverance finally paid off when the suspect’s identity was established through investigations and intelligence probes. With this important lead, an operation was mounted and the suspect was detained at Woodlands Checkpoint on 22 November 2010 at 2.50pm as he was about to leave Singapore.
The suspect will be charged in Court on 24 November 2010 for an offence of Theft in Dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224 which carries a jail term of 7 years and a fine. He will be remanded for further investigations thereafter.
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