Unlicensed moneylending harassment cases doubled to nearly 4,000 in the first three months of this year, compared to about 2,000 a year ago. -- ST PHOTO: CHOO CHWEE HUA
WHEN the going gets tough, loansharks get going.
Unlicensed moneylending harassment cases doubled to nearly 4,000 in the first three months of this year, compared to about 2,000 a year ago.
The rise was 'in tandem' with the declining economic situation, said Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng on Thursday morning.
To arrest this menace, Mr Wong, who is also the Home Affairs Minister, said the police will install more electronic eyes at places that are prone to harassment. The ministry may also make borrowing from loansharks an offence.
'This will hold borrowers accountable if their reckless borrowing or gambling habits endanger the safety and security of the community,' he said, adding that many borrowers eventually become runners for syndicates to pay off their debts.
Mr Wong was speaking to a gathering of more than 400 police officers and community leaders at the police's annual workplan seminar held at the Republic Polytechnic.
Charting the challenges in the coming year, he reminded those present of the terrorism spectre and the importance of border security.
Officers will continue to gear up for key events like the opening of the casinos. A new neighbourhood police centre - the 33rd - will become operational in June at the Police Cantonment Complex, before opening in Marina Bay by the end of the year. The other 32 police centres - which serve residents around the clock - will be beefed up with 220 new staff.
In his speech, Mr Wong also announced an online programme produced by the police and The Straits Times' RazorTV. Police are using 'I-witness' channel to appeal for information on unsolved crime cases.
'Police must continue to adapt and evolve, especially in tapping new technologies and channels to reach out to the community,' said Mr Wong.
Read the full report in Friday's edition of The Straits Times.
