IN FOCUS: Crime on the decline in most Singapore neighbourhoods, but new policing challenges await
Over the next 10 years, however, Geylang’s NPC recorded the biggest – 66.2 per cent – drop in crime cases.
Financial adviser Brandon Koh, who has lived in the Cassia Crescent estate in Geylang since he was six, said: “Last time, we could hear people running and chasing each other around and shouting at night. Nowadays, no more.”
The 28-year-old believes the fall in crime has to do with Geylang NPC relocating in 2019 from Paya Lebar Road to Cassia Link, closer to the infamous Geylang Road stretch.
“The frequent presence of the police officers nearby will have a deterrent effect on any would-be criminals,” said Mountbatten MP Lim Biow Chuan, who has been in office since 2006.
Ms Utkalika Sahoo, who lives in Geylang and works as a cashier at Wandiantonglian convenience store in Geylang Lorong 22, told CNA she doesn’t feel unsafe even though she closes shop around 11.30pm daily.
But she also said Geylang hasn’t completely shrugged off its reputation.
Last month, Ms Utkalika wanted to book a mobile hairdresser to come to her home, but was told the service was not provided in the area due to its associations with vice.
Still, MPs overseeing the neighbourhood said they’ve received fewer complaints from residents — in tandem with feedback on their increased comfort and security.
Dr Wan Rizal Wan Zakariah, MP for Jalan Besar since 2020, pointed to what he said were simple but impactful changes, like installing better street lighting.
The area’s urban redevelopment over the years has also helped reduce the concentration of vice-related activities, he said.
“This shift has been essential in gradually reshaping the area’s reputation and dispelling outdated stereotypes.“
BUILT-UP PLACES
Among the NPCs which saw a spike in crime, Marina Bay — with its 71.7 per cent jump — was the only one located in the city district.
A breakdown of crimes committed by locals and foreigners was not available, but Mr Jason Chua, who teaches criminal law at Temasek Polytechnic, said a post-pandemic upswing in visitor numbers may have contributed.
“Many tourists flocked to Singapore and many events went back in full swing, with mega events such as the F1 race – which drew over 260,000 attendees – Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, Chingay Parade and National Day Parade,” he said.
“With more people, naturally, the incidence of crime rises.”
Crime cases also climbed by 95 per cent in Punggol — the biggest surge — followed by 14.8 per cent in Sengkang and 6.5 per cent in Sembawang.
“Generally, there are more HDB (Housing Board) flats that have been built and reached MOP (minimum occupation period) in Punggol, Sengkang and Sembawang in recent years,” said OrangeTee’s Ms Sun.
Residents in Punggol were generally unfazed and said they still felt safe.
Aircraft technician Mohammed Salah, 27, who lives in Punggol Central, said one reason could be that the area was not a mature estate, with some parts not fully developed and lacking things like police cameras.
But he said the 2022 relocation of Punggol NPC from Tebing Lane to his neighbourhood has increased police presence.
“A lot of the back roads are opening up, so it’s easier for the police cars to move around,” noted Mr Salah.
Other residents told CNA they’d observed police officers patrolling on foot regularly.
