Singapore Police said in a press release on Sunday, October 22, that molestation and outrage of modesty cases have shown a rise in 2017. So have cases of cyber crimes.
Eight men, between ages 25 and 57, are set to be charged this week for separate molestation cases committed between January and July. This announcement comes alongside a factsheet by the Singapore Police that states there has been a 19.9 percent increase in outrage of modesty cases, as compared to 2016. This year, 1168 cases have been reported between January and September, as mentioned by the Straits Times.
152 of the total number of cases were committed on public transport, showing 49 percent leap, whereas 76 cases were recorded at public entertainment outlets, showing an increase of 24.6 percent.
Officers from the Public Transport Security Command conduct patrols at areas having public transport to prevent such cases; public entertainment outlets take measures such as CCTV cameras, good lighting and prevention of overcrowding.
"Take note of the prominent features and attire of the suspect as well as the direction in which he or she went," said the police press release. "If it is safe to do so, the victim or other witnesses of the crime may assist to detain the suspect while waiting for the police to arrive," it added.
The punishment for such cases in Singapore is up to two years' jail term, fining, caning, or a combination of these.
Molestation victims are encouraged to dial 999 immediately and report the matter to the police to ensure quick and effective action against the wrong-doers.
Although the overall crime rate has dipped in Singapore in 2017, cases of outrage of modesty and cyber crimes, such as impersonation, piracy, and bullying have dispayed an increasing trend.
