Woman flees when caught taking photo of Bukit Panjang flat, arrested for loanshark harassment

A 49-year-old woman was arrested for her suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment, said police.

Police officers were conducting anti-crime rounds along Senja Road in Bukit Panjang on Tuesday (Sept 20) when they spotted a woman photographing a residential unit.

Upon seeing the officers, the woman fled and was swiftly detained at the scene. One bicycle lock and two keys were seized as case exhibits.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman had allegedly locked the unit with a bicycle lock and is believed to be involved in similar cases of loanshark harassment island-wide.

The woman will be charged in court on Sept 22 under the Moneylenders Act 2008.

For first-time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000 with mandatory imprisonment of up to five years, and mandatory caning of up to six strokes.

Police advise staying away from loansharks and not working with or assisting loansharks in any way.

The public 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.