What happened to low-crime S'pore? A lot of crime is actually committed by foreigners

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2 Chinese jailed for 23 cases of housebreaking in Singapore
Posted about 7 hours ago | 0 comment

Two Chinese nationals were jailed in Singapore on Monday for a series of housebreaking offences dating back to 2007. (Image: channelnewsasia.com)

Two Chinese nationals were jailed in Singapore on Monday for a series of 23 housebreaking offences dating back to 2007, according to reports.

Thirty-two-year-old Liu Qiangde received a seven-and-a-half year jail term for his crimes while his friend, Chen Yuncai, 33, got a five-and-a-half year sentence.

During an ambush operation by police in October of 2013 that followed reports of multiple break-ins at private residences throughout Singapore, the two suspects were caught and arrested.

DNA samples linked Liu to several home break-ins in 2007 and 2009, and Chen to other similar incidents in 2009.

The court heard that the two Chinese nationals came to Singapore with the intention of committing housebreaking crimes, according to reports.

Chen had reportedly noticed on a prior visit to Singapore that the perimeter walls of landed properties were lower than those in China, and had assumed that the properties in the city-state would be easier to break into.

The two men were allegedly involved in a total of 23 cases of break-ins that involved $119,003 of stolen property.

The most popular items taken were brand name watches and handbags, electronics such as iPads and laptops, and cash.

Most of the break-ins occurred at night or in the early hours of the morning.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Benny Tan argued that the crimes were premeditated, noting that the two men had come to Singapore with the intent of committing the break-ins.

He also urged the court not to treat the men as first-time offenders, arguing they had committed similar offences before, though they had not been caught.

Mr. Liu said in mitigation that a failed business had led him to commit the crimes, and that he was trying to provide for a school-going child.

Mr. Chen expressed remorse for the crimes.

District Judge Eddy Tham referred to the crimes as “appalling”, saying they warranted a severe and deterrent sentence, according to reports.


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