A 46-year-old woman has been arrested after she allegedly stole a man’s wallet at Chinatown MRT station and used his credit cards to purchase S$88 (≈ RM310) worth of bak kwa from a nearby shop.
The incident, which unfolded on Saturday (21 Feb), has sparked renewed reminders about staying vigilant in public places, even in a country widely regarded as safe.
Wallet Allegedly Taken While Belongings Left Unattended
According to Shin Min Daily News, the victim, identified as Mr Gao, said the incident occurred at about 4pm.
The 45-year-old facilities manager had placed his mobile phone and crossbody bag near a power socket at Chinatown MRT station to charge before heading off to continue shopping.
When he returned, MRT staff were holding his umbrella and informed him that a “kind person” had handed his belongings to the control room. Mr Gao retrieved his items but did not immediately check their contents before boarding a train.
It was only upon reaching Clarke Quay MRT station that he realised his wallet — which had been inside his bag — was missing.
Cash, Cards And Identification Missing
Mr Gao said the wallet contained S$60 (≈ RM210) in cash, several bank cards, identification cards, his driver’s licence, and a house key.
He rushed back to Chinatown MRT station to inform staff and alerted the police. Officers reviewed CCTV footage and suspected that the individual who handed over his belongings might also have taken the wallet, although the footage did not directly capture the alleged theft.
Shortly afterwards, Mr Gao received notifications from his bank about two transactions made at Lim Chee Guan, a well-known bak kwa retailer located along New Bridge Road, a short walk from the MRT station.
The transactions amounted to S$66.60 (≈ RM235) and S$22.20 (≈ RM78), totalling S$88 (≈ RM310).
Suspect Apprehended Near MRT Station
As Mr Gao was on an escalator at the station, he spotted a woman carrying two bags of bak kwa heading in the opposite direction. Believing her to be the suspect, he grabbed her hands and waited for police officers to arrive.
The Singapore Police Force later confirmed that they received a call for assistance at Chinatown MRT station at about 5.05pm on 21 Feb. A 46-year-old woman was arrested for cheating, and investigations are ongoing.
Mr Gao claimed that after allegedly removing the cash and bank cards, the woman misplaced his documents along with the wallet.
“Although it was wrong of me to leave my belongings at the MRT station, Singapore has always been very safe, and there are many CCTV cameras,” he said.
Suspect Claimed To Be Unwell
Following her arrest, the woman reportedly apologised repeatedly in Mandarin and pleaded for leniency. She allegedly claimed she was unwell and suffering from heart issues that required surgery.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force confirmed that it received a call for assistance at 7.10pm on 21 Feb at 91 Upper Cross Street. One person was assessed but declined to be taken to hospital.
Shop Assistant Noted Odd Behaviour
A shop assistant at Lim Chee Guan told Shin Min Daily News that the woman behaved unusually during the purchases.
She first bought S$22 (≈ RM78) worth of bak kwa but appeared unsure which card to use when making payment. She later returned to purchase an additional S$66.60 (≈ RM235) worth of items, this time using a different card.
The case serves as a stark reminder that opportunistic crimes can still occur, even in busy public transport hubs equipped with surveillance systems. Authorities have urged members of the public to keep their personal belongings within sight at all times.
