Man Allegedly Enters Multiple BTO Flats to Steal Appliances and Lighting Fixtures

A man allegedly entered multiple flats at a new BTO estate in Bishan to steal appliances and lighting fixtures, according to a social media post warning homeowners to secure their units.

User eritakay said police reports had been lodged and claimed footage from different homes showed the same man.

An accompanying video caption stated that another neighbour's doorbell camera recorded him at their unit just 10 minutes apart.

The user also warned against stretchy, spring-coil bicycle locks that could allow gates to be pulled partially open.

Two other incidents involving homes undergoing renovation were recently reported online.

In September, visitors allegedly entered a Woodlands flat and took photographs without permission.

On 13 October, a woman reportedly entered a Choa Chu Kang home and used its toilet without the homeowner's permission, later apologising and saying she had asked someone for permission.

Entering someone's property to steal, threaten or deliberately cause annoyance can amount to criminal trespass, punishable by up to three months' jail, a $1,500 fine, or both. Housebreaking to commit theft carries up to 10 years' jail and a fine.

The National Crime Prevention Council advises homeowners to secure vacant units undergoing renovation with close-shackled locks and arrange appliance deliveries after moving in.