Syndicates broke into 10 landed homes since June, stealing $3.85m

Three Chinese nationals arrested and 1.36m of the loot recovered: Police

- David Sun Crime

International criminal syndicates have been breaking into landed properties in Singapore, with the gang members forcing their way into 10 homes and stealing about $3.85 million in cash and valuables.

Police said they have arrested three foreigners, recovered $1.36 million of the loot and identified 14 other people who can assist them in their investigations.

They have also enhanced security measures in private residential estates, including employing the use of cameras and drones to detect people hiding in forested areas.

The news comes amid a spike in burglary cases since June, especially in estates around forested areas and near park connectors.

Between June 1 and Aug 4, police received 10 reports of burglaries at landed properties.

Police said the suspects are believed to be transient travellers who entered Singapore as social visit pass holders, usually for one to two days before committing the crime.

The gangs have largely targeted homes in the vicinity of the Rail Corridor and Bukit Timah Road, but at least one house in Windsor Park Road, in the Bishan area, was also burgled.

They entered the homes by scaling the perimeter walls and fences.

Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam said the three people arrested are Chinese nationals.

"Preliminary investigations suggest that these three appear to be linked to foreign syndicates. Police have also identified 14 other persons - all Chinese nationals who they think will be able to assist in their investigations," he said.

He added that they are currently out of Singapore, but the Singapore Police Force is engaging the Chinese authorities to get more information and locate the 14 men.

Mr Shanmugam said the syndicates appear to be working in small groups and are quite sophisticated.

Speaking on the sidelines of a community event in Chong Pang on Aug 17, he said the syndicates work in teams.