Bogus policeman who stole from women arrested

SINGAPORE – Police have arrested a 36-year-old man who impersonated a police officer and stole cash, jewellery and handphones amounting to more than $2,500.

The suspect would usually target females at isolated locations. He would approach his victims and identify himself as a police officer, flashing a card with his photograph and a police logo before checking on their belongings and stealing their valuables.

The cases took place at Housing Development Board (HDB) estates in Sims Drive, Geylang East and Aljunied Crescent. Police received several reports since October last year about a man acting as a plainclothes policeman and making off with victims’ valuables.

The suspect was arrested by police yesterday (April 27) and will be charged in Court tomorrow.

If convicted, he faces a jail term of up to 3 years, fined, or both.

In the police statement released today, police advised the public to be alert of those who may impersonate themselves as police officers. The public should request for the police officer to produce a Police Officer’s Warrant Card to verify his or her identity when in doubt before carrying out respective instructions. If they are still uncertain of the police officer’s identification, they should immediately call 999 for further assistance.