48-year-old man arrested for armed robbery at Upper Bukit Timah Shell petrol station

A 48-year-old man was arrested by the police yesterday (Jul 31) for his suspected involvement in a case of armed robbery at Shell petrol station located along Upper Bukit Timah Road.

The suspect was armed with a knife and ordered a 22-year-old female staff member to place cash from the cash register into a plastic bag, said the police in a press release.

He then fled away on a motor scooter with more than $1,100 stolen cash.

A supervisor at the petrol station reported the incident to the police at around 12.50pm.

The man was swiftly arrested on the same day at around 4.50pm along Jurong East St 21 by officers from Clementi Police Division based on information provided by witnesses, including the customer and staff.

Cash amounting to $499, bank receipts and a motor scooter were seized as evidence.  

Bank receipts, $499 in cash, and a motor scooter belonging to a member of the suspect's family were seized as evidence.

The suspect, who worked at a cleaning company, wore a helmet, sunglasses and gloves when he allegedly committed the act.

However, the knife he allegedly used has not been recovered, as the suspect said he dropped it, according to the police.

In a press conference today (Aug 1) regarding the matter, Senior Assistant Commissioner Gerald Lim, who is commander of the Clementi Police Division said that this is the first case of robbery of a petrol kiosk cashier in 10 years.

"This case highlights the importance of working with the community to solve crime, as every little help counts." he said.

If found guilty, the man faces a jail term of up to 10 years and 12 strokes of the cane.