Skip to main content

Advertisement

Advertisement

Kidnapping scares near international schools due to misunderstandings

SINGAPORE — The two recent incidents involving students from international schools being asked by strangers to board vehicles were not kidnapping attempts.

The two recent incidents involving students from international schools being asked by strangers to board vehicles were not kidnapping attempts. Photo: Google Maps

The two recent incidents involving students from international schools being asked by strangers to board vehicles were not kidnapping attempts. Photo: Google Maps

Follow TODAY on WhatsApp

SINGAPORE — The two recent incidents involving students from international schools being asked by strangers to board vehicles were not kidnapping attempts.

In a statement on Thursday (Jan 18), the Police said it has thoroughly investigated the cases where it was reported that students from the United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) and Tanglin Trust School (TTS) had been at risk of being kidnapped near their respective schools.

“In both cases, the occupants of the vehicles were trying to be helpful by offering a lift to the students,” said the statement.

In the first case on Jan 11, a male driver had offered a ride to a student from UWCSEA as it was raining.

“The parent of the student had been updated on the findings, and they were relieved that it was a case of misunderstanding,” said the Police.

A similar misunderstanding happened on Tuesday when a female bus attendant on a school bus from TTS offered one of its student — who was walking towards the direction of the school — a lift.

But the school bus did not bear the name or logo of the school. The student declined the offer as she had earlier read a school circular advising them to be wary of strangers offering rides to students.

The Police has clarified with the student that no one had alighted from the school bus to persuade her to board it, said the statement.

“The Police treat such reports seriously. However, we urge members of the public not to speculate or spread unsubstantiated information which may generate unnecessary public alarm,” it said.

This week, several international schools across the island issued safety alerts to parents and students, triggering widespread concerns, including on social media, following the two incidents.

The schools, parents and students took precautions such as stepping up patrols, advising students on how to respond in similar situations and not walking without company near the campuses.

Referring to media reports on a third incident involving a student from Dulwich College, which purportedly took place last month, the Police said it has “engaged the college to advise the student to make a police report so that we can investigate into the matter”.

Read more of the latest in

Advertisement

Advertisement

Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.

Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.