Man arrested for allegedly breaking into Macpherson Lane coffee shop and setting fire

A 52-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday (Apr 8) for allegedly breaking into a coffee shop along Macpherson Lane and setting fire to it.

The police said they received a report about the incident on April 6.

Cash of around $2,600 was also reported stolen.

Through ground enquiries and with the aid of CCTV images, officers from Bedok Police Division established the man's identity and arrested him.

He will be charged in court on April 9 with housebreaking.

The offence of housebreaking carries a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine, while the offence for mischief by fire carries a maximum jail term of seven years and a fine.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Julius Lim, Commander of Bedok Police Division, said, "At a time when more businesses are shuttered due to the Covid19 situation, break-ins like this are particularly egregious.

"I am proud of the diligence and determination displayed by the Bedok Police Division officers.

"The police have stepped up our crime-fighting efforts, during the circuit breaker period."

Members of the public are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures:

• Secure all doors, roller shutters, windows and other openings properly before leaving your premises unattended, even for a short while; and

• Refrain from keeping large sums of cash at commercial premises.

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