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Singapore Motoring News. Fake traffic police, thefts and arrests
1. Fake traffic police calls
A number of Singaporeans have lodged reports to the police after receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be a traffic police officer.
In these cases, call recipients were informed that a relative of their neighbor had been involved in a road traffic accident. The call recipients were then asked to inform their neighbors to contact the traffic police.
Police are making it clear that these calls were not made by traffic police officers.
If in doubt, members of the public are advised to verify the authenticity of such calls by calling the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000.
2. Theft from taxis and private-hire cars. Five arrested
Police have arrested two men and three women, aged between 17 and 45, for their suspected involvement in cases of theft from taxis and private-hire cars.
The suspects, who rode as passengers, distracted the victim with conversation or requested items from the car boot. It is believed they took the opportunity then to steal items such as wallets and mobile phones placed at or near the centre console of the vehicle.
3. Spate of bike thefts in Yishun. Man arrested
Police issue a warning to bike owners following a spate of thefts in Yishun.
Police received several reports of bicycle thefts in Yishun. Through extensive investigations, officers from Ang Mo Kio Division arrested a 52-year-old man who is believed to be involved in a series of bicycle thefts.
The subject will be charged in Court with the offence of Theft. This crime carries the penalty of up to 3 years in prison, or a fine, or both.
The Police have asked the public to adopt the following crime prevention measures to safeguard their bicycles from theft:
- Lock your bicycle when left unattended, even if it is only for a short while. All removable bicycle components should also be secured.
- Use durable locks. You can consider using a U-lock that provides better security, complemented with a cable lock, or use a bicycle lock with an alarm feature;
4. Petrol thief charged
Police have arrested a 45-year-old man for his suspected involvement in two cases of theft of petrol from petrol stations.
Police were alerted of two cases of petro theft from stations in the western part of Singapore. A vehicle with a modified number plate was used in the robberies.
After extensive investigation, officers from Jurong Division established the identity of the man and arrested him at Boon Lay Place.
The man may be sentenced to a prison term up to three years, or fined, or both.
5. Age limit increase for driving instructors
The upper age limit for driving instructors has been raised from the current limit of 70 to 75 years. With this revision, driving instructors can continue to conduct driving lessons until they turn 75 years old, provided they pass their annual enhanced medical examination.
News source: Public affairs department. Singapore police force
For more motoring warnings and tips, look out for regular posts in this series.
