10 arrested for stealing over 90 pieces of clothing worth $6.8k from Orchard Road, HarbourFront

Seven men and three women, aged 20 to 32, have been arrested for allegedly stealing clothes worth about $6,800.

This comes after the police were alerted to a case of attempted theft along Orchard Road on October 16.

The police said: "Through extensive ground enquiries and with the aid of images from police cameras and CCTV footage, officers from Tanglin and Clementi Police Division established the identities of the ten persons involved."

An operation was conducted on October 30 and the ten people were arrested for theft in dwelling with common intention in four additional cases of shop theft.

More than 90 pieces of the stolen clothing, which had a total value of around $6,800, were recovered. Among the items were multiple Uniqlo shirts and women's undergarments, reported The Straits Times.

Five men and three women were charged in court on Wednesday (Nov 1) for theft in dwelling with common intention and attempting to commit theft in dwelling with common intention.

The offences carry a jail term of up to seven years and a fine.

The police said they have zero tolerance against such syndicated acts of crime and will spare no effort to apprehend such offenders, who will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law.

Retailers are also urged to remain vigilant against shop thieves and to adopt the following measures:

1. Ensure a good line of sight for the displays by using an appropriate shop layout;

2. Display advisory posters or signage against shop theft;

3. Display expensive merchandise in locked showcases or at prominent locations (eg. near cashier counters);

4. Install CCTVs with recording system at the entrance/exit of the store to capture the facial features of shoppers; and

5. Deploy adequate security personnel to patrol the premises in luminous vests for increased visual deterrence effect.