HOUSEBREAKING

WHat is HOUSEBREAKING? 

Housebreaking or break in is the crime of entering a house illegally by using force, in order to steal things from it.

This is a preventable crime. Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of such crime.

how IT happens

When the intruder:
- Cuts padlocks, iron grilles, or wire mesh
- Forces open windows, grille gates or doors
- Gains entry through:
--> Unsecured gates, doors, windows, and other opening;
--> Refuse chutes, unsecured false ceilings, or ventilation openings; or
--> Unoccupied adjacent house or shop
- Gains entry by using household tools left outside the house.

when IT CAN happen

- When premises is unoccupied (e.g. resident not home/ overseas).
- When gates, doors, windows and other openings are left unsecured.
- When cash and valuable items are left lying in the open and visible, or near windows/ doors (e.g. for apartment homes located along corridor).

crime prevention tips

« Lock all the doors, windows and other openings when leaving your home (or business premise), even for a short while.

« Lock all the doors, windows and other openings before retiring to bed (or at the end of daily business operations).

« Never leave valuables (i.e. wallets, bags, cash, handphones, laptops) or house keys near windows or doors, which are within reach of passers-by.

« Never hide keys outside the home, i.e. under door mat, in flower pots or on top of the electricity meter box.

« Never keep large sums of cash and a lot jewellery at home. It is advisable to put them in a bank or in a good quality safe.

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

« Never announce your vacation or trips on social media.

« Never leave notes outside the house announcing your absence from home.

HOME/ OFFICE ADDITIONAL PROTECTION MEASURES

« Secure all doors, windows and other openings with good quality grilles and close-shackled locks.

« Install hinge bolts or weld the hinges of grille gates to prevent lifting.

« Fix a door viewer, latch chain and surface latches on the main doors.

« Install adequate CCTV systems or security alarms. Service them regularly and ensure that they are in good working condition.

« If you have electronic locks, change pass codes from time to time.

If you need to be away from home for travelling:

« Suspend / cancel all home deliveries (e.g. newspapers). Otherwise, arrange for someone trusted to pick up the newspapers or direct mailers left on your doorstep.

« Invest in timer light switches. Keep curtains and drapes slightly open.

« Let someone trusted know that you will be away, the duration of your absence and how you can be contacted if necessary.

« Ask immediate neighbours that you can trust to keep an eye on your house for any unusual occurrences.

For landed houses

« Ensure all gates are locked at all times, and secured with good quality locks.

« Ensure access areas of the premises (i.e. front-porch), are adequately lit during the hours of darkness.

« Keep vehicles locked even if they are parked within the compound.

If your premise is undergoing renovation

« Secure vacant unit with a close-shackled lock.

« Never leave home appliances in vacant unit. Arrange for the delivery of such items after you have moved in.

If you witness or are a victim of such crimes, call the Police for assistance. Do so from a safe distance and/ or location.

Stay calm and observe the suspect's appearance, attire, height, or any distinctive physical features; as well as the suspect's location or the direction they went.

Watch Crimewatch videos on >>
Housebreaking Crimes

Read Singapore Police News on >>
Housebreaking Crimes

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