Rise in voyeurism cases at sports and swimming complexes marks spike in physical crime in first half of 2024

Singapore has seen a notable rise in voyeurism cases at sports and swimming complexes in the first half of 2024, with incidents increasing from just one case last year to 11 this year, according to the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Friday (23 August).

This alarming trend is part of a broader 4.1 percent rise in physical crime across the city-state, with a total of 10,106 cases reported from January to June, up from 9,704 cases during the same period in 2023.

The increase in voyeurism is part of a broader surge in crimes of concern, including shop theft, outrage of modesty, and theft in dwelling, all of which have seen a rise this year.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Gregory Tan, Director of the SPF’s Operations Department, emphasized to local media that despite increased physical crime, Singapore’s overall crime situation remains under control. He cautioned against complacency, stressing the importance of continued vigilance.

Increase in Outrage of Modesty Cases

Residential areas, shopping complexes, and the public transport network have been identified as hotspots for voyeurism and outrage of modesty cases.

Voyeurism alone accounted for 257 cases, up from 229 in the same period last year, making up 2.5 percent of all physical crime. Outrage of modesty cases saw a slight increase to 708 cases from 697 last year, representing 7 percent of overall physical crime. In most instances, the perpetrators were known to the victims.

In response to the uptick in such crimes, the SPF has been working closely with public transport operators and partners, including the Land Transport Authority and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), to raise awareness.

Crime advisories are being prominently displayed within the public transport network, and by the end of the year, these advisories will also be attached to the handrails of selected bus services to heighten awareness of molestation on board buses.

Additionally, community engagement efforts will continue, targeting students and healthcare workers with tips on self-protection.

Shop Theft Continues to Dominate Crime Statistics

Shop theft continues to be the most prevalent physical crime, accounting for 20.1 percent of total cases in the first half of 2024. The number of shop theft incidents rose from 1,849 to 2,027 cases, maintaining its position as one of the leading offenses for youths arrested during this period.

Superintendent Rudy Dzulkarnaen, Assistant Director of the SPF’s Crime Control Division, issued a stern reminder to offenders about the severe consequences of shop theft.

He highlighted that even if offenders are not caught in the act, the widespread use of CCTV cameras in retail outlets will eventually lead to their capture. The penalty for theft in Singapore includes a jail term of up to seven years and a fine.

To combat the rise in shop theft, the SPF’s Shop Theft Awareness for Retailers (STAR) programme has seen an increase in participation, with 600 retailers onboard as of June. The programme encourages the use of CCTV cameras as a deterrent and investigative tool.

As the SPF continues its efforts to manage and prevent crime, the public is reminded to stay vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to maintain Singapore’s reputation as one of the safest cities in the world.