17-year-old girl arrested for series of loanshark harassment cases

A 17-year-old girl was arrested for her suspected involvement in a series of loanshark harassment cases.

The police said in a statement they were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment involving the door and gate of a residential unit at Choa Chu Kang North 7 being splashed with paint on Tuesday (June 30).

Officers from Jurong Police Division and Bedok Police Division established the identity of the teenager and arrested her along Haig Road, where she was purportedly planning to harass another debtor, on Wednesday (July 1).

Preliminary investigations revealed that the teenager is believed to be involved in several other cases of loanshark harassment.

The teenager will be charged in court on Thursday (July 2) under the Moneylenders Act.

For first time offenders, the offence carries a fine between $5,000 and $50,000, mandatory imprisonment of up to five years and mandatory caning of up to six strokes.

The Police said they have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment activities.

"Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruptions to public safety, peace and security, will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law," the statement said.

Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not work with or assist the loansharks in any way.

The public can call the Police at '999' or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664 if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities.