Man arrested for theft of 2 vehicles: He drove off with minibus after driver left key inside

A 45-year-old man was arrested on Thursday (Nov 3) for allegedly stealing two vehicles in separate cases at Bedok and Tampines.

The police said that on October 6 at about 9.45am, they received a report from a victim informing that his car parked along Jalan Chempaka Kuning had gone missing.

The driver had allegedly left his car keys in the vehicle.

The car was subsequently recovered.

In a separate incident on October 25 at around 6.40am, the police were alerted to a case of stolen motor vehicle reported along Tampines Street 62.

The man had allegedly driven a minibus off after its driver had left the ignition key inside and alighted from the vehicle.

The minibus was subsequently recovered.

Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division established the man's identity and arrested him.

The man will be charged in court on Friday with theft of motor vehicle, which carries a jail term of up to seven years and a fine.

Commander of Bedok Police Division Assistant Commissioner of Police Justin Wong said: "The few seconds you save is not worth losing your vehicle for days or even for good.

"Turn off your engine and remove your key from the ignition, even if leaving the vehicle for a short while. Do not give criminals the opportunity to take your vehicle for a joyride."

All vehicle owners are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures:

1. Park in well-lit areas;

2. Install an anti-theft alarm system for your motor vehicle and ensure it is well-maintained;

3. Remove cash cards and other valuables, such as laptops and mobile phones before leaving the vehicle;

4. Lock all vehicle doors and wind up all windows when leaving the vehicle, even if it is for a short while and;

5. Remove the ignition key and lock the vehicle whenever it is left unattended.