Two Chinese nationals have been arrested for allegedly breaking into a temple along Tai Gin Road in Balestier and stealing cash from its donation boxes.
Both suspects, aged 43 and 50, will be charged in court, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in a statement on 17 Aug.
Police responded to an alert of the crime on 2 April at around 12.30am.
It is believed that the men entered the temple premises before retrieving the cash from the donation boxes by using a card affixed with adhesive tape.
The duo stole between S$300 and S$400 from the temple.
Source: Hailshadow on Canva, for illustration purposes only.
Through follow-up investigations and CCTV footage, officers from Tanglin Police Division established the identities of the two men.
The pair had left Singapore on the same day as the alleged offence.
Police arrested the two men when they returned to Singapore on Sunday (16 Aug).
They had allegedly used the stolen cash by the time of their arrest.
The duo will be charged with housebreaking and theft with common intention under Section 451 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code 1871.
If convicted, they face an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine.
Police reminded property owners to take precautions against housebreaking and theft.
They advised owners to secure doors, roller shutters, windows and other openings with quality grilles and padlocks when leaving their premises unattended.
Owners should also avoid keeping large amounts of cash and valuables on-site.
They are also encouraged to install burglar alarms, motion sensor lights and CCTV cameras at access points, while ensuring these security measures are regularly tested and maintained.
Also read: Man allegedly stole S$390 from Bedok temple donation boxes by using plastic rod to fish out cash
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Featured image adapted from Google Maps.