Often lauded for its low crime rate, Singapore can be seen as a testament to the efficacy of strict law enforcement and government policies aimed at maintaining public safety. This small island nation has made it a top priority to ensure the well-being of its residents and visitors.
However, like any society, it faces its share of challenges, some of which involve criminal activities that can disrupt peace and order. In this article, we delve into the most common criminal offences in Singapore, shedding light on the nature of these crimes and the measures taken to combat them.
Scams and Cybercrimes
Scams, which are typically carried out using digital channels, and cybercrimes continue to be an area of concern for Singaporean authorities. According to a CNA report, more than SGD 330 million had been lost to scammers and cybercriminals in the first half of 2023 alone. Young adults are the most common victims of these criminal activities, which typically take the form of e-commerce scams, phishing scams, fake friend scams, job scams, and investment scams. The government is making an effort to continually enhance its cybersecurity measures and raise awareness to protect the public against these evolving threats.
Recognising the need to adapt to the digital age, Singapore's legal system contains provisions to address cybercrime. These include imprisonment, substantial fines, and other penalties. Considering this, individuals who are facing legal consequences because of such a crime will require the assistance of a competent defence lawyer so that they can navigate the intricate web of the country’s criminal justice system.
Shop Theft
While it may appear as a minor offence, shop theft, or taking goods or items from a shop dishonestly and without permission, is taken seriously by both retailers and law enforcement agencies in Singapore. The punishment for it can range from fines, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
According to a StraitsTimes report, the number of shop theft cases in Singapore reached 1,820 by the first half of 2023. This is a marked increase from the 1,453 cases recorded during the same period the previous year. To maintain public order and protect businesses, the government and retail establishments employ various security measures to deter and detect this activity. These include working with the police and closely monitoring self-checkout counters using CCTV.
Theft in Dwelling
Theft in dwelling, which refers to the act of stealing from residential properties, is a distinct feature of Singapore’s penal code. While it’s still theft, stealing from a person’s home carries a heavier consequence compared to shop theft, for instance, because it includes invading someone’s privacy. The punishment for such a crime can include fines, imprisonment of up to seven years, or both.
Like shop theft, the number of thefts in dwellings also increased this year. The same StraitsTimes report revealed that while the first half of 2022 had a total of 788 cases, 2023 recorded a total of 1,010 during the same period. The victims knew the culprits in most of these cases. Some of the most common stolen items are cash, jewellery, and digital devices.
Outrage of Modesty
A crime against a person, outrage of modesty, refers to acts of sexual molestation. The use of the term modesty is open to interpretation, but there are typically three factors present to consider an act to be an outrage of modesty. These are assault or the use of criminal force, the lack of consent, and the perpetrator’s intent. In Singapore, outrage of modesty is a gender-neutral offence, and it’s possible for both men and women to become victims or perpetrators of such an activity.
From 751 in the first six months of 2022, the number of outraged modesty cases slightly increased to 757 from January to June of 2023. About half of the victims knew the perpetrators, and some of the cases occurred at nightspots and on public transportation.
Voyeurism
There has also been a slight increase in the number of voyeurism cases in the country this year. Voyeurism can refer to intentionally observing another, with or without the use of equipment, without the consent of the person being observed or recorded. While previously considered an insult to modesty of women, voyeurism is now a gender-neutral offence. Cases of voyeurism commonly occur in residential spaces, shopping complexes, and public transport.
Public Order Offences
Public order offences, such as rioting and unlawful assembly, occasionally disrupt Singapore's reputation for orderliness. These offences pose a challenge to the city-state's commitment to public peace and stability. The prevalence of public order offences varies with social and political dynamics, but in Singapore, there are stringent laws and law enforcement measures in place to deter and address them. The penalties for these activities, in many ways, reflect the importance of maintaining societal harmony with the local community.
Singapore's commitment to maintaining a secure environment is bolstered by a community that understands and appreciates how everyone has a role in upholding the rule of law. By knowing about these prevalent criminal activities and their implications, individuals can actively contribute to the overall safety and harmony of this thriving city-state. Through knowledge, vigilance, and adherence to the law, Singapore continues to stand as a beacon of safety in a complex world.
