Debtor's note left by door splashed with blue paint, man arrested for loanshark harassment

A 33-year-old man was arrested for loanshark harassment after the door of a Chai Chee flat was splashed with blue paint and a debtor’s note was left on the floor.

The police said they were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment along Chai Chee Road on Nov 30 at about 9.50pm.

Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from police and CCTV cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division and Woodlands Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on Friday (Dec 2).

Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is allegedly involved in at least five other cases of loanshark harassment.

The man was to be charged in court on Dec 3 under the Moneylenders Act 2008. For first-time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine of between $5,000 and $50,000, with mandatory imprisonment of up to five years, and mandatory caning of up to six strokes.

Police said they have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance or disrupt public safety, peace and security, will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.

You are advised to stay away from loansharks and not to work with or assist them in any way. You 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.