Man, 32, arrested for allegedly breaking into Toa Payoh shop, setting it on fire and stealing $60,535

A 32-year-old man was arrested after allegedly breaking into a shop, setting it on fire and stealing $60,535 in cash.

The police said they were alerted to the fire on May 22 at about 6.30am at Toa Payoh Central.

"After the fire was extinguished, the staff discovered that cash amounting to $60,535 was missing from the safe box located within the shop premises," the police said.

Officers established the identity of the culprit and arrested him in the vicinity of Victoria Street on the same day.

Cash amounting to $16,700 in $100, $50, and $10 denominations, were recovered from the man and seized as case exhibits.

His electronic devices and apparels used during the alleged offence were also seized.

The offence of housebreaking and theft carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.

The offence of mischief by fire carries a jail term of up to seven years and a fine.

The police advise all property owners to adopt the following crime prevention measures:

• Secure all doors, roller shutters, windows and other openings with good quality grilles and padlocks when leaving your premises unattended, even for a short while.

• Refrain from keeping large sums of cash and valuables in your premises; and

• Install a burglar alarm, motion sensor lights and/or CCTVs, to cover the access points into your premises. Ensure that they are tested periodically and are in good working condition.