Man arrested for allegedly vandalising HDB unit with loanshark-related graffiti and setting door on fire

A 28-year-old man was arrested for his suspected involvement in loanshark harassment activities yesterday (Jun 21).

In a statement, the police said that they had first found loanshark-related graffiti on the wall of a HDB unit at Jalan Bukit Merah on the same day before the man's arrest.

The resident’s metal door grille had also allegedly been set on fire.

Following the report, officers from Central Division carried out extensive investigative probes and ground enquiries.

With the aid of footages from Police Cameras (POLCAM), the suspect was identified and officers arrested the suspect along Flora Road later in the day.

The suspect will be charged in Court on 23 June 2017 under the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition 2010). Under the Act, first-time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment shall be fined not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000 with mandatory imprisonment of up to 5 years and mandatory caning of up to 6 strokes.

Police have reiterated that the law has zero tolerance against loanshark harassment. 

Those who deliberately vandalise properties will be arrested swiftly and dealt with severely in accordance with the law. Upon conviction, these perpetrators can expect to be caned and jailed for damaging property and causing alarm to the general community.