Theft cases in homes jump 25% in first half of 2026 even as Singapore’s overall crime rate stays stable
There were 459 theft in dwelling cases at residential premises in the first six months of the year, up 25.1 per cent from 367 cases over the same period in 2025.
A total of 730 theft in dwelling cases were reported across all types of premises in Singapore in the first half of 2026, accounting for about 7.1 per cent of physical crime cases. (Photo: iStock)
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SINGAPORE: The number of theft cases in homes jumped by about 25 per cent in the first half of 2026, even as Singapore’s overall physical crime situation remained stable.
There were 459 theft in dwelling cases at residential premises in the first six months of the year, up 25.1 per cent from 367 cases over the same period in 2025, according to the Singapore Police Force’s (SPF) mid-year crime brief for 2026.
The police said the increase was largely driven by incidents involving people who had access to, or were familiar with, the premises.
Theft in dwelling cases across all types of premises rose just slightly, by 0.6 per cent, from 726 cases in the first half of 2025 to 730 in the same period this year. Such cases accounted for about 7.1 per cent of all physical crime cases.
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“Theft in dwelling cases typically occurred in premises where belongings were left unsecured or unattended, creating opportunities for theft,” said SPF.
The police advise residents, co-tenants and property occupiers to store their personal belongings securely and to refrain from leaving valuables unattended in common spaces and shared facilities.
From January to June, the number of physical crime cases in Singapore fell 0.4 per cent to 10,287, from 10,325 over the same period last year. SPF described the physical crime situation as “stable”, with robbery and snatch theft recording 12 and nine cases respectively.
The top three crimes of concern identified were outrage of modesty, shop theft and theft in dwelling.
MOLESTATION CASES
Outrage of modesty cases rose by 3.1 per cent to 762 in the first half of 2026, up from 739 a year earlier, making up around 7.4 per cent of the total number of physical crime cases.
More than half of the cases involved offenders known to their victims.
Residential premises recorded 227 such cases, up from 172 a year earlier, while cases on the public transport network fell to 60 from 84. Cases at public entertainment outlets increased to 58 from 49.
Outrage of modesty cases on public transport involving offenders unknown to their victims dropped by 25.7 per cent, from 74 to 55.
“Notwithstanding the decrease, the police will continue to sustain enforcement, public education and community vigilance within the public transport network,” SPF said, adding that these measures include enhanced police presence through joint patrols with public transport operators.
To curb outrage of modesty cases committed at public entertainment outlets, the police said that they will continue to work closely with nightlife operators and stakeholders to strengthen crime prevention efforts and promote a safe environment for patrons.
SHOP THEFT CASES
Shop theft cases rose 2.2 per cent from 2,050 to 2,095, accounting for about 20.4 per cent of the total number of physical crime cases.
Commonly stolen items included food and beverages, personal care products, alcoholic drinks and apparel or accessories.
SPF said that shop theft remained one of the top offences committed by youths, with most of these cases occurring at supermarkets, convenience stores, minimarts and personal care, health and wellness shops.
Retail outlets with the largest number of shop theft cases reported in the first six months of this year – from highest to lowest – were:
- Cold Storage at Tanglin Mall
- Sheng Siong at Kinex
- Cold Storage at Ngee Ann City
- Sheng Siong at Bishan Street 13
- Sheng Siong at Tanglin Halt Road, Sheng Siong at Junction Nine, Don Don Donki at Northpoint City, Cold Storage at Plaza Singapura
- Sheng Siong at Casa Clementi
- Sheng Siong at Woodlands Street 31, Sheng Siong at Khatib Central, Cold Storage at Compass One
- Popular at Waterway Point
- FairPrice at Northpoint City, Cold Storage at Raffles City Shopping Centre
- Cold Storage at Paragon
The police said that they are working with retailers and retail associations to strengthen outlet-level crime prevention measures, especially at premises with higher reported shop theft cases.
“Retailers are encouraged to review store layouts, strengthen staff vigilance, adopt appropriate detection technologies and participate in SPF’s Shop Theft Awareness for Retailers Programme,” they said.
The police added that they will continue to work with the Ministry of Education to educate students on crimes, including shop theft, through school talks, joint school advisories and other initiatives.
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) Leon Chan, the director of SPF’s Operations Department, said: “Singapore’s overall physical crime situation remained stable in the first half of 2026, and Singapore continues to be one of the safest places in the world.
“While there were some areas of concern, such as outrage of modesty, shop theft and theft in dwelling, we are encouraged by the reduction in outrage of modesty cases involving offenders unknown to victims within the public transportation network,” SAC Chan said.
“Businesses, community partners and members of the public all have a role to play in preventing, deterring and detecting crime. SPF will continue to work closely with our stakeholders and the community to keep Singapore safe and secure.”
Source: CNA/dc(kg)
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