46-year-old man nabbed after allegedly using knife to rob Woodlands pawnshop of S$24,400 cash, jewellery

SINGAPORE — A 46-year-old man, who allegedly robbed a pawnshop along Woodlands Street 31 on Thursday (Sept 2) evening, has been arrested.

He will be charged with armed robbery on Saturday.

In a press statement on Friday evening, the police said that they were informed of a case of armed robbery at a pawnshop located along Woodlands Street 31 at around 5.50pm the day before.

Preliminary investigations found that the man had allegedly shown a female staff member in the shop a handwritten note written in Chinese saying: “Do not shout, I only need money. I have a knife on me, I do not wish to hurt people”.

The suspect then allegedly confronted a male employee and brandished a knife.

“The male staff complied with the man’s instructions and handed over to him cash amounting to about S$24,400,” the police said.

The suspect then allegedly fled the scene with the cash and two pieces of jewellery valued at S$10,747.

Through extensive investigations, forensics technology and closed-circuit television camera footage, police officers from several departments identified the man and arrested him within 16 hours of the incident, at a residential unit along Sembawang Road.

They found in his possession a knife, one handwritten note, two pieces of jewellery, a shirt, a pair of pants and a bag. These items have been seized as case exhibits.

Police investigations also found that the man had already gambled away portions of the stolen cash immediately after the incident.

He is said to have used the stolen monies to repay debts to his friends as well.

A total of S$4,454 was recovered by the police. Efforts are underway to recover the remaining stolen amount.

“The man is believed to have acted alone and no one was hurt during the incident,” the police added.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Ang Eng Seng, the commander of Woodlands Police Division, said that the officers managed to nab the suspect swiftly, despite his attempt to evade detection by escaping via various modes of transport such as bus, taxi and motorcycle.

“The forensics examination and analysis at the crime scene, coupled with closed-circuit television footage, were instrumental in the quick resolution of the case. This case exemplifies the relentless commitment from the Singapore Police Force in bringing criminals to justice.”

If found guilty, the man could be jailed between two and 10 years and receive up to 12 strokes of the cane.