Our vision, going into the millenium is "Making Singapore Safe and Secure for All", complementing our mission of working in partnership with the Community and Police to prevent crime.

The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) has worked in partnership with the community, business associations and the Police on crime prevention programmes for the past 21 years. Through the years, it has renewed itself and expanded its scope to include more sectors in Singapore.

Besides running ongoing programmes such as exhibitions, talks, conferences, seminars and competitions, the Council has implemented a number of initiatives in the year under review. As part of its 20th Anniversary Celebrations, it has come up with a new corporate brochure and corporate leaflet, raised funds for crime prevention through a film premiere and a year-end crime prevention lucky draw. The year also saw the launch of the Crime Prevention Display Bus, a video for senior citizens, the Tamil CrimeWatch TV Programme, a Malay social drama on TV, and a crime prevention handbook for Taxi Drivers.

In addition, the Council participated in the Security Asia 2001 Conference and Exhibition to gain regional exposure. Members were also sent on study visits overseas and educational visits to Home Team establishments and places such as amusement arcades and entertainment outlets to gain knowledge of their operating environment.

The Council also expanded its scope. With the formation of 3 new sub-committees in early 2001, namely, the Security in Transport Committee, Information Technology Committee and the Publicity and Special Events Committee. In addition, the Public Advisory Panel on Licensing was formed in Nov 01.

Although crime has decreased over the past 10 years, the Council will not rest on its laurels. It will continue to expand its scope and brainstorm new initiatives that will take it into 2002 and beyond.

Key Achievements for 2001

Crime Statistics
For the past 10 years, there had been an overall down trend in the number of the crimes committed, and the trend continued into the year 2001. In 2000, the total number of seizable offences recorded in 2001 was 28,645, a significant 11.6% decrease from the 32,412 cases recorded in 2000. The crime rate per 100,000 total population similarly fell from 807 cases in 2000 to 693 cases in 2001.

Partnership with the Community
In the year, the community had demonstrated a high level of participation in crime prevention. In 2001, 650 criminals involved in snatch theft, motor vehicle theft, robbery, housebreaking, outraging of modesty, murder and rape were apprehended as a result of public co-operation. This figure accounted for 50% of the arrests in these crimes, higher than the 41% recorded in 2000. This highlights the importance of public co-operation and participation in combating crime.

Our Youth
The Council, recognising that crime prevention should be inculcated from a young age, has continued to direct much of our efforts and resources towards our youth. Ongoing programmes include the use of the “Safe & Secure – That’s Our Singapore” textbook series in schools, the Crime Prevention Proficiency Badge Scheme for members of uniformed groups such as the NPCC, Scouts and Guides, youth competitions, talks and exhibitions etc. In addition, a song or rap competition was held for students last year. It is heartening to note that through the efforts of the Police, the Council, schools, parents and other stakeholders, fewer juveniles were arrested in 2001 – 1,298 compared to 1,598 in 2000, a decline of 18.8%.

Ongoing Partnership
The Council will continue to actively engage our industry and grassroots partners and the public through talks, exhibitions and joint conferences, among other activities. The slogan that has been chosen for the upcoming 2002 Festive Season Crime Prevention Campaign is “Crime Prevention – a Shared Responsibility”, continuing with the theme of partnership from the slogan in 2001 “Together We Can Prevent Crime”. The Council believes that by working together as a community we can ensure that Singapore remains a safe and secure haven for all.

Michael Yeo
Chairman
National Crime Prevention Council NCPC