In Singapore, shop thefts in 2023 rise for third year in a row, even as physical crimes decline

There were 3,939 cases of shop theft last year – a 21.4 per cent increase from the 3,244 cases in 2022. There were 2,652 cases in 2021 and about 2,500 cases in 2020.

However, the overall number of physical crime cases in 2023 fell by 1.1 per cent – from 20,193 to 19,966.

Shop theft was among the four crimes of concern flagged by the police, with the others being theft in dwelling, molestation and voyeurism. In particular, voyeurism cases – which accounted for 2.4 per cent of physical crime in 2023 – rose by 52 cases to 476.

SPF also noted that cases of robbery, snatch theft and motor vehicle theft decreased in 2023 as compared to the year before. No such cases were reported on 277 days in 2023 – an improvement of 36 days from 2022.

More than 46,000 scam cases were reported in 2023 – a jump of 46.8 per cent from 2022. On the other hand, the amount of money lost by victims fell by 1.3 per cent to S$651.8 million (US$484 million).

More than two-thirds of shop theft cases happened at retail outlets like department stories, supermarkets, pharmacies and minimarts, said SPF in a press release.

Items typically stolen included food and beverages, alcoholic drinks, personal care products, cosmetics, apparel and accessories.

Shop theft comprised 19.7 per cent of the total physical crime cases last year.

In response to CNA’s queries on the rise in shop theft, SPF said this could be the result of more CCTVs around shops, which means retailers can review stock discrepancies and lodge reports on theft after the crime has been committed. This also coincides with manpower challenges and the expansion of retail space in Singapore.

SPF said it has been “actively engaging” the public across all ages to raise awareness of the consequences of