16-year-old among 4 arrested for stealing branded clothes and other items from Orchard Road shops

Three men and a woman, aged between 16 and 50, were arrested for their suspected involvement in a series of shop theft cases along Orchard Road, said the police.

The police received two reports of luxury items being stolen from shops along Orchard Road on Thursday (July 6).

Through extensive follow-up investigations, officers from Tanglin Division established the identities of the four persons and arrested them the next day.

More than 20 items, including branded apparel, that were believed to have been stolen, were recovered. The items have an estimated total value of about $2,420.

The four persons were to be charged in court on Saturday with theft in dwelling with common intention, which carries an imprisonment term that may extend to seven years and a fine.

In the statement, the police said they would like to remind retailers to remain vigilant against shop thieves. Retailers are advised to adopt the following measures:

• Ensure a good line of sight for the displays by using an appropriate shop layout.
• Display advisory posters or signage against shop theft.
• Display expensive merchandise in locked showcases or at prominent locations, such as near cashier counters.
• Install CCTVs with recording system at the entrance/exit of the store to capture the facial features of shoppers.
• Deploy adequate security personnel to patrol the premises in luminous vests for increased visual deterrence effect.