Housebreaking and Thefts in Dwellings

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there is any rise or trend of concern in property crimes, particularly housebreakings and thefts in dwellings, recorded in the first half of 2012 compared to the previous year; and (b) what conditions will trigger the display of a police signboard at a location informing residents of the occurrence of a specified offence in the area, in particular, whether such a display indicates a prevalence or trend of concern.

The number of property crime cases reported has shown a decreasing trend over the past three years, with 19,463 property crime cases reported in 2011 compared to 21,023 cases in 2010 and 22,221 cases in 2009.

For the first half of 2012, the number of property crime cases reported was 9,951. This was a 1.6% increase when compared to the 9,790 cases reported in the same period in 2011. Theft in dwelling cases increased from 2,010 reported cases for the first half of 2011 to 2,171 reported cases for the first half of 2012. Housebreaking and related crimes decreased from 381 to 297 reported cases in these two six-month periods. Police will continue to monitor the crime situation closely.

Police signboards displayed in public areas are an effective means of raising awareness about crime concerns within the area and reminding the public to remain vigilant. Such signboards may be put up in areas where multiple cases of a certain crime, such as housebreaking, are reported.

Police may also use such signboards to seek the public's assistance in providing information or in identifying a perpetrator.

The public should not be alarmed by such signboards. If they have any crime related information, or specific concerns, they should call the nearest Neighbourhood Police Centre as stated on the signboard.