Man charged with housebreaking, keeping stolen bras

SINGAPORE — A 24-year-old man was charged yesterday with one count of housebreaking, and another count of possessing suspected stolen items, including a bra and women’s heels.

Hu Yongda allegedly broke into a ground-floor unit of The Estuary condominium in Yishun on June 12 at around 2.30am.

He was said to have gone in through the kitchen window of the apartment, but fled when he heard a stir indoors.

A police report was made later that morning.

On the evening of the same day, police officers arrested Hu in another unit of the condominium.

He is suspected to have stolen a bra and eight pairs of women’s shoes, all found in his possession.

Hu will be remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for observation for two weeks, and will next appear in court on June 28.

If convicted of housebreaking, he faces a jail term of up to three years and a fine.

If convicted of possessing suspected stolen items, he faces a jail term of up to a year and/or a maximum fine of S$3,000.

The police, in a press release on Tuesday, advised all property and home owners to ensure that all their doors, windows and other openings are well secured, and to set up a burglar alarm, motion-sensor lights and/or surveillance cameras to cover the access points.

They should also avoid leaving valuables near access points.

On a LinkedIn profile with a photo that matches Hu’s, it is stated that Hu has a scholarship with the Public Service Commission (PSC).

He had studied at the London School of Economics, where he majored in economics.

The profile also lists Hu as a former intern at various government ministries here.

TODAY contacted the PSC yesterday evening to confirm if Hu is a government scholar, among other queries, but it was unable to confirm by press time. ALFRED CHUA