South American arrested for break—ins; S$300,000 recovered

SINGAPORE: A 40—year—old South American man has been arrested for committing break—ins at landed properties.

An assortment of currencies, watches, jewellery and other valuables amounting to about S$300,000 was recovered.

Police said since the beginning of October, there had been a spike in the number of reported break—ins at private residential units island—wide.

The victims would usually discover that their units had been broken into and ransacked after returning home from work or dinner.

In most of the cases, the rear doors and gates to the houses were forced opened and items like cash, branded watches, jewellery and other valuables were stolen.

On 30 October, acting on information received, police raided a budget hotel along Balestier Road and arrested the suspect.

The suspect led the police to a rented room at Claymore Drive, where the loot of the crimes and housebreaking implements were recovered.

The suspect will be charged in court on Thursday for housebreaking and theft by night.

If convicted, he faces a jail term of up to 14 years.

— CNA/ck