CCTV adoption and youth involvement in shop theft highlighted in new crime statistics

The number of shop thefts in Singapore increased by 7.6% in 2024, according to the Singapore Police Force’s (SPF) annual physical crime statistics. This marked an additional 300 cases compared to the previous year, with shop theft now accounting for 21.2% of all physical crimes, the highest share of any crime category.

The total number of physical crime incidents remained nearly the same from 2023 to 2024, standing at 19,969 compared to 19,966 in 2023. Shop theft, along with outrage of modesty and voyeurism, were identified as the leading concerns for 2024.

Among the various retail locations affected, the NTUC FairPrice Xtra at Jurong Point was the most targeted by shoplifters, followed by Watsons at Suntec City Mall and Cold Storage at Plaza Singapura. Police suggest that the rise in thefts can be attributed to the broader implementation of CCTV technology, which has enhanced retailers’ ability to identify thefts that may otherwise have gone unnoticed. The use of advanced tools, such as facial recognition, is also aiding in the identification and prosecution of offenders.

Youth involvement in shop thefts has become a significant issue, with supermarkets, beauty stores, and health shops being the common hotspots for such offences. These stolen items include personal care products, food, and cosmetics. The SPF has partnered with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to increase awareness among young people about the consequences of theft through school talks and the “Coffee with a Cop” initiative, designed to foster dialogue between the public and police officers.

Retailers are encouraged to participate in the Shop Theft Awareness for Retailers (STAR) programme, which helps businesses identify vulnerabilities and improve crime prevention strategies.

The police urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly, stressing that despite the increased use of surveillance technology, repeat offenders will face consequences even if they initially evade detection.

In other crime statistics, voyeurism incidents rose by 9% in 2024, with most occurring in residential areas, shopping malls, and public transport systems. Meanwhile, outrage of modesty cases decreased by 6.6%.

While some types of physical crimes, like housebreaking, saw a slight increase, the overall crime rate remains stable. The police reported 10 murder cases in 2024, a notable rise from four in the previous year, though all suspects have been identified, and most were known to the victims.

SPF’s statement concluded with a call for continued community involvement in maintaining Singapore’s reputation as one of the safest countries globally.