IN FOCUS: Crime on the decline in most Singapore neighbourhoods, but new policing challenges await

Over the next 10 years, but, Geylang’s NPC recorded the biggest – 66. 2 per share – drop in crime situations.

Financial director Brandon Koh, who has lived in the Cassia Crescent house in Geylang since he was six, said: “Last day, we could hear persons running and chasing each other around and shouting at night. Now, no more. ”

The 28-year-old believes the collapse in violence has to do with Geylang NPC relocating in 2019 from Paya Lebar Road to Cassia Link, close to the legendary Geylang Road expand.

“The frequent presence of the police officers nearby will have a deterrent effect on any would-be criminals, ” said Mountbatten MP Lim Biow Chuan, who has been in office since 2006.

Mr Utkalika Sahoo, who lives in Geylang and works as a teller at Wandiantonglian convenience store in Geylang Lorong 22, told CNA she does n’t feel uncomfortable even though she closes buy around 11. 30pm everyday.

But she also said Geylang has n’t fully shrugged off its popularity.

Last month, Ms Utkalika wanted to book a smart hairdresser to come to her house, but was told the company was not provided in the area due to its organizations with evil.

However, MPs overseeing the village said they’ve received fewer complaints from people — in combination with comments on their improved comfort and security.

Dr Wan Rizal Wan Zakariah, MP for Jalan Besar since 2020, pointed to what he said were easy but effective modifications, like installing better street lights.

The area’s metropolitan restoration over the years has also helped decrease the intensity of vice-related actions, he said.

“This change has been important in steadily reshaping the area’s reputation and dispelling obsolete stereotypes. “

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Among the NPCs which saw a rise in violence, Marina Bay — with its 71. 7 per share climb — was the only one located in the city area.

A collapse of atrocities committed by locals and foreigners was not available, but  Mr Jason Chua, who teaches legal laws at Temasek Polytechnic, said a post-pandemic upswing in visitor numbers perhaps had contributed.

“Many visitors flocked to Singapore and numerous activities went back in full swing, with big activities such as the F1 contest– which drew over 260,000 visitors – Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, Chingay Parade and National Day Parade, ” he said.

“With more individuals, obviously, the incidence of crime increases. ”

Violence cases even climbed by 95 per share in Punggol— the biggest wave — followed by 14. 8 per share in Sengkang and 6. 5 per share in Sembawang.

” Generally, there are more HDB ( Housing Board ) flats that have been built and reached MOP ( minimum occupation period ) in Punggol, Sengkang and Sembawang in recent years,” said OrangeTee’s Ms Sun.

People in Punggol were usually unmoved and said they also felt safe.

Aircraft specialist Mohammed Salah, 27, who lives in Punggol Central, said one reason could be that the place was not a sophisticated house, with some elements never fully developed and lacking things like officers cameras.

But he said the 2022 evacuation of Punggol NPC from Tebing Lane to his village has increased police appearance.

“A bit of the back streets are opening up, but it ’s easier for the police vehicles to move around, ” noted Mr Salah.

Other people told CNA they’d observed police soldiers patrolling on foot often.