Robbery In Singapore: Everything You Need To Know

by 21 October 2024Knowledge & Insights

In Singapore, the prevalence of violent and serious property crimes, including robbery, stands remarkably low at only 1 per 100,000 population as of 2023. Despite these low statistics, the impact of each incident can be profound, stirring concerns among residents and authorities alike.

This article will guide you to understanding robbery in Singapore, providing a comprehensive overview of the legal distinctions and penalties associated with different types of robbery.

Our goal is to educate and inform you about the critical aspects of robbery cases in Singapore, enhancing your understanding of the legal and societal implications involved.

What Is Robbery?

According to the Penal Code, a robbery can result from theft or extortion. The essential characteristic that elevates theft or extortion to robbery is the use of force or the induction of fear. The statute outlines that the offender must engage in one of the following actions:

  • Dishonestly take another’s property or valuable security without their consent or induce someone to relinquish their property or valuable security.
  • Willingly cause or attempt to cause injury or death during the offence.
  • Create or attempt to create a fear of immediate injury or death.

 

What Is Theft?

Theft typically involves the dishonest removal of movable property from someone’s possession without their consent. However, under Singapore law, specific conditions elevate a mere theft to robbery, which is treated with much greater severity due to the associated violent elements.

 

When Theft Is Robbery?

According to Section 390 of the Penal Code in Singapore, theft becomes robbery in Singapore if, in the process of committing theft or in attempting to carry away the stolen property, the offender voluntarily causes or tries to cause death, hurt, or wrongful restraint or induces fear of instant death, hurt, or wrongful restraint.

This transition typically occurs when the theft involves direct confrontation or violence towards the victim. The key distinction also lies in the offender’s actions during the theft:

  • If the theft includes voluntary infliction of hurt or wrongful restraint.
  • If there is an induction of fear of instant harm or restraint to coerce the property’s handover.

These criteria emphasise the presence of force or intimidation, transforming the legal classification of the act from theft to robbery.

Examples:

  • Attempted Robbery at a Convenience Store: An individual attempting to stealthily shoplift becomes an armed robbery scenario when the perpetrator threatens the cashier with a weapon to allow the theft.
  • Pickpocketing Turns Violent: What begins as simple pickpocketing escalates to robbery if the thief is confronted and assaults the victim to escape with the stolen goods.
  • Snatch Theft Involving Assault: A snatch theft incident becomes a case of robbery when the thief uses physical force against the victim to retain possession of a stolen purse.

 

What Is Extortion?

Extortion involves putting someone in fear of harm to coerce them into surrendering property. This crime overlaps with robbery when the method of inducing fear involves threats of immediate physical harm.

When Extortion Is Robbery?

According to Section 390 of the Penal Code in Singapore, extortion becomes robbery when it is not just a threat over a distance or through communication but occurs in the physical presence of the victim, with the perpetrator directly inducing fear of imminent harm.

This distinction focuses on the immediacy and presence of the threat, which significantly increases the severity of the crime.

Examples

  • Highway Robbery: A gang stops a motorist, threatening instant harm with deadly weapons such as parangs and baseball bats unless valuables are handed over. This is both gang robbery and extortion.
  • Threats at an ATM: An individual is coerced at an ATM to withdraw and hand over cash while under the threat of being harmed with a knife; this scenario blends elements of both extortion and armed robbery.

 

Differences Between Robbery, Armed Robbery And Gang-Robbery?

In Singapore, the distinctions between robbery, armed robbery, and gang robbery are well-defined by law, with each type carrying different legal implications and penalties.

Robbery In Singapore

Robbery in Singapore is primarily governed by Section 390 of the Penal Code. It is defined as the act where an offender:

  • Dishonestly takes another’s property or valuable security without their consent or induces others to give up their property or valuable security;
  • Willingly causes or tries to cause injury or death in the course of the offence;
  • Creates or tries to create a fear of instant injury or instant death during the offence.

Robberies in Singapore tend to occur in less monitored or dimly lit areas, such as secluded parking lots, alleyways, and quiet residential streets.

These incidents are more frequent when fewer people are around, often late at night or early in the morning, making it easier for robbers to operate without witnesses.

Armed-Robbery In Singapore

In Singapore, armed robbery is defined under Section 397 of the Penal Code. This serious offence involves an offender committing robbery while armed with a deadly weapon.

The term “deadly weapon” encompasses any item capable of causing death or serious injury, such as firearms, knives, or even improvised weapons that can inflict grievous harm.

Armed robbery is distinguished from simple robbery by the presence of a weapon and the heightened potential for severe injury or death.

This distinction carries heavier penalties, including longer jail terms and caning. Additionally, offenders may face charges for unlawful possession of the weapon used in the robbery.

Examples of armed robbery cases in Singapore often involve convenience store hold-ups or assaults where weapons are brandished to threaten victims.

Case Example of Armed Robbery in Singapore

A prominent example of armed robbery involves a high-profile case that took place along King Albert Park in Bukit Timah.

In this incident, Malaysians Kartik Palaniappan, Mohd Hamidon Ahmed, and Mohd Hashim Ismail, along with two other accomplices, Goh Boon Tong and Muhammad Tauffiq Ahmad Fauzi, were charged with armed gang robbery.

The group reportedly robbed six victims of valuables worth approximately S$4.34 million (US$3.2 million) during the early hours of April 18. The robbery was notably violent, involving weapons such as parangs and baseball bats, highlighting the grave nature of armed gang robberies.

Gang-Robbery In Singapore

Gang robbery is defined under Section 391 of the Penal Code and occurs when five or more individuals collaborate to commit or assist in committing a robbery.

This type of crime reflects a higher degree of premeditation and collective effort to commit theft, and it is treated with the utmost seriousness under Singaporean law.

The law specifies that if the combined total of those directly committing the robbery and those aiding in the act reaches five or more, each participant is charged with gang robbery.

However, if the group consists of fewer than five individuals—ranging from two to four—the charges will likely be limited to robbery, reflecting a lesser degree of collaboration and potential threat.

Gang robbery typically involves scenarios such as a group ambush, where multiple assailants coordinate an attack on an individual or a location, overwhelming the victims through sheer numbers and collective force.

This could be seen in cases like a coordinated attack on a jewellery store or a planned ambush on a person carrying a substantial amount of cash.

Case Example of Gang Robbery in Singapore

A notable case that illustrates the severity and complexity of gang robbery involved two Malaysian nationals aged 28 and 32. These individuals were part of a larger group implicated in a high-profile gang-armed robbery incident.

On April 18 2024, around 2 a.m., the Singapore Police Force (SPF) was alerted to an aggressive robbery at a private residence along King Albert Park.

More than four men were reported to have invaded the home, robbing 11 victims of valuables collectively worth approximately S$4.34 million. The stolen items included cash in multiple currencies, cryptocurrency, and luxury watches.

Through diligent ground enquiries and effective collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), the SPF successfully identified and tracked down the suspects who had fled to Malaysia shortly after committing the crime.

With support from RMP, two of the suspects were apprehended under arrest warrants issued by the State Courts of Singapore. They were extradited back to Singapore on April 30 2024.

 

Penalties For Committing Robbery In Singapore

Robbery is treated as a severe criminal offence in Singapore, reflecting the legal system’s commitment to maintaining public safety and deterring violent crime.

The penalties for robbery are clearly stipulated under Section 392 of the Penal Code and are designed to be commensurate with the severity of the offence.

The basic penalty for anyone found guilty of robbery is a mandatory imprisonment term ranging from 2 to 10 years and at least six strokes of the cane. However, the severity of the sentence can escalate based on the circumstances under which the robbery was committed.

For instance, if the robbery occurs at night (defined as between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.), the minimum jail term increases to 3 years and can extend up to 14 years, accompanied by at least 12 strokes of the cane.

Further, if the offender voluntarily causes harm to anyone during the commission or attempted commission of the robbery, the penalties become even more stringent. In such cases, the jail term extends from a minimum of 5 years to a maximum of 20 years, with caning of not less than 12 strokes.

Several factors also come into play when determining the exact sentence within the provided ranges for robbery:

  • Prior Offences: Individuals with previous criminal records, particularly those related to violent or theft-related crimes, are likely to receive harsher sentences.
  • Amount Stolen: The value of the property stolen can also influence the severity of the sentence. Larger thefts may result in longer jail terms.
  • Nature of Force Used: The use of deadly weapons like parangs and baseball bats or causing significant physical harm can lead to increased penalties.
  • Involvement in Gang Activities: Committing gang robbery, especially armed gang robbery, is viewed particularly harshly. Collaboration with others in committing robbery shows premeditation and a higher propensity for violence, leading to more severe punishments.
  • Time of the Offence: Robberies committed during the night are considered more serious due to the added risk and fear they cause, resulting in stiffer penalties.

 

Penalties For Committing Gang Robbery In Singapore

Gang robbery, considered one of the more severe criminal offences due to its organised and often more violent nature, carries stringent penalties under Singapore law. The penalties are structured to deter the substantial threats gang robberies pose to public safety.

Under Section 395 of the Penal Code, the law stipulates severe punishments for those involved in gang robbery. Anyone found guilty of committing gang robbery can face imprisonment for a term ranging from 5 to 20 years and is also subject to a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.

This baseline sets a stern precedent, reflecting the seriousness with which the Singaporean legal system views crimes involving multiple offenders working in concert.

Further, suppose any member of the gang commits murder during the act of gang robbery. In that case, each participant, regardless of their direct involvement in the murder, faces either a death penalty or life imprisonment. Additionally, if not sentenced to death, they will receive not less than 12 strokes of the cane.

The law also addresses various stages of criminal involvement in gang activities:

  • Preparation for Gang Robbery: Individuals involved in any preparations for committing gang robbery face imprisonment for 3 to 10 years and at least 12 strokes of the cane.
  • Association with Gang-Robbers: Being part of a gang associated with the habitual commitment to gang robbery may lead to life imprisonment or up to 10 years in prison, with a minimum of 6 strokes of the cane.
  • Assembly for Gang-Robbery: If five or more persons assemble with the intent to commit gang robbery, they may be jailed for up to 7 years and caned with at least four strokes.

The Penal Code also harshly penalises those who handle stolen goods, knowing their origins from gang robbery, with up to 20 years in prison and potential fines. This includes receiving property from known gang members.

A defence exists for those who can prove they had a reasonable excuse for possessing the stolen items and took reasonable care to rectify the situation upon realisation of their origins.

 

Penalties For Committing Armed Robbery In Singapore

In Singapore, armed robbery is treated with particular severity due to the involvement of weapons, which significantly raises the potential for harm. The law imposes strict penalties on those found guilty of this crime, reflecting the serious nature of the threat it poses to public safety.

Under Section 397 of the Penal Code, penalties for armed robbery are notably stringent. If an individual commits or attempts to commit robbery while armed with any deadly weapon, or if they cause grievous hurt to any person, or even attempt to cause death or grievous hurt, the penalties are severe.

Such offenders are liable to receive not less than 12 strokes of the cane and other punishments applicable under different sections of the Penal Code.

This means that anyone involved in armed robbery could face long-term imprisonment, alongside mandatory caning. The presence of weapons such as parangs, baseball bats, or firearms during the robbery exacerbates the crime’s severity, leading to enhanced penalties.

 

Conclusion About Robbery In Singapore

Throughout this discussion, we’ve explored the intricacies of robbery laws in Singapore, delving into the distinctions between simple robbery, armed robbery, and gang robbery.

This knowledge is crucial not only for legal professionals but also for the general public to understand the severity of such acts and the consequences they carry.

If you or someone you know is caught up in a robbery case or simply needs legal advice on this matter, Tembusu Law is here to help.

Our legal services are swift, responsive, and tailored to meet the unique challenges of each client. We offer practical advice and effective solutions, ensuring you never have to face your legal troubles alone.

Get a free consultation now at Tembusu Law today, and let us help you move towards a resolution. Whether your case is minor or monumental, we have a plan tailored just for you. Remember, your best interests are our top priority.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Robbery In Singapore

Can You Be Charged And Sentenced Even If Your Robbery Attempt Failed?

Yes, you can be charged and sentenced for attempted robbery even if the attempt was unsuccessful. In Singapore, a person found guilty of attempting to commit robbery will be sentenced to a jail term of 2 to 7 years, along with caning of at least six strokes.

Which Country Has The Highest Robbery Rate?

Countries in Latin America have some of the highest rates of robbery. For instance, countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina often report high incidences of robbery and other violent crimes.

These statistics can fluctuate over time and can be influenced by various factors, including economic conditions, law enforcement effectiveness, and societal issues.

What Should I Do If I Witness A Robbery In Singapore?

If you witness a robbery in Singapore, prioritise your safety first by not directly intervening. Observe and remember as many details as possible about the situation and the perpetrator, such as physical descriptions, clothing, and the direction in which they fled.

After ensuring your safety, immediately contact the Singapore Police Force by dialling 999 to report the crime, providing them with all the details you’ve observed.

What Legal Protections Are Available For Victims Of Robbery In Singapore?

Victims of robbery in Singapore have access to several legal protections and support services. The police prioritise the safety and welfare of victims, ensuring they receive immediate care and protection from further harm.

Additionally, victims can receive legal assistance to understand their rights and the judicial process. Support services also include psychological counselling and financial assistance, if needed, to help victims recover and cope with the aftermath of the crime.

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