How It Can Happen

Forcing open windows, grille gates or doors.

Cutting padlocks, and grilles.

Gaining entry through the refuse chute, false ceiling or ventilation openings.

Gaining entry through neighbouring house/shop.

Gaining entry by using household tools left outside the house.

Preventive Measures

Lock all doors and windows when leaving the home unattended, even for a short while.

Keep large sums of cash in banks and expensive jewelleries in safe deposit boxes.

Do not hide keys under the doormat, in a flowerpot or on top of the electricity meter box outside the house.

Do not leave notes outside of the house announcing your absence from home.

Leave a light and radio on at night to give an impression that the occupants are home.

Cancel all deliveries (eg newspapers, magazines, etc.) when you are away from home for a few days.

Change all locks when your house keys are lost or stolen.

Install security alarm system. Ensure that it is tested periodically and in working condition.

Switch on the system when house is left unattended; before retiring to bed; or in unoccupied rooms if the premise is huge even when the occupants are at home.

Ask your immediate neighbours to keep an eye on your
house while you are away.

Keep your handphone within easy reach, be contactable.

Inform your Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) of your absence if you are away from home for a few days.

Keep a lookout in your neighbourhood for any suspicious person(s) who are loitering. Call the Police at ‘999’ for assistance.

Punishment

A person convicted of housebreaking and theft by day is liable to:

a jail term of not less than 18 months and not more than 10 years; and
a fine.

A person convicted of housebreaking and theft by night is liable to:

a jail term of not less than 2 years and not more than 14 years; and
a fine.