Molestation, theft on the rise as physical crime crept up 4.4% last year: SPF

Incidence of theft in dwelling, which takes place in residences or places used to store property, also rose from 1,359 to 1,729 cases last year, forming 8.6 per cent of all cases.

SPF said that significant increases were observed at residential and commercial properties, where theft cases rose to 881 and 503 respectively last year.

Thefts at commercial premises typically involved cash, jewellery, electronic items such as mobile phones, and branded bags or watches.

The suspects in a majority of these cases were known to the victim, such as tenants or roommates, family members, service providers or cleaners, and friends or acquaintances.

Rioting rounded out the five crimes of concern identified by SPF. Rioting cases increased to 60 last year, from 46 in 2021, with increased interaction among larger groups after the resumption of social activities and reopening of nightspots.

This figure, at 0.3 per cent of all physical crime cases, was lower than pre-pandemic levels, said SPF.

“Despite the increase in physical crime in 2022, the crime situation in Singapore remains under control,” said SPF’s Assistant Commissioner Tan. 

“The SPF will continue to step up our efforts to keep physical crime in check as we return to post-COVID-19 normalcy.”