In a concerning trend, Singapore’s mid-year crime report has revealed a significant rise in outrage of modesty and shoplifting cases during the first half of 2025. According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), physical crimes have surged by 5.4%, adding to the list of issues affecting residents and visitors alike.
Key Statistics
- Outrage of Modesty Cases: 90 cases reported, up from 64 in the same period last year, marking a 40.6% increase.
- Total Physical Crimes: 10,341 cases in the first half of 2025, compared to 9,809 in 2024.
- Shoplifting: 2,097 cases reported, a 4.2% increase from 2,013 cases.
- Voyeurism: 252 cases reported, a slight decrease from 258.
- Housebreaking Cases: 52 cases reported, down from 65, attributed to enhanced community vigilance.
Areas of Concern
The rise in outrage of modesty cases, particularly on public transport, raises alarm. With over half of the reported incidents involving victims knowing the assailants, the police are ramping up their efforts to combat this issue through increased presence and crime advisories at MRT stations.
Shoplifting Trends
Shoplifting remains a major concern, particularly amongst youths aged 10 to 19 years. The police revealed that more than half of the stolen items had a value of less than S$50 (approximately US$39), which typically included items like food, beverages, and personal care products. Notably, the Cold Storage outlet at Ngee Ann City reported the highest number of thefts, with 36 documented cases.
Community Engagement and Police Measures
The SPF is committed to reducing these crime rates through proactive measures. This includes partnering with public transport operators like SBS Transit and SMRT Corporation to implement crime prevention initiatives:
- Crime prevention announcements at peak hours.
- Advisory decals on public transport facilities.
- Joint patrols with increased police presence.
Furthermore, the police are collaborating with the Ministry of Education to conduct crime prevention talks in schools, highlighting the impact of shoplifting and urging students to consider the consequences of their actions.
Conclusion
While there is an overall increase in crime, Senior Assistant Commissioner Leon Chan assured the public that Singapore remains one of the safest places to live, emphasising the importance of community vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement.