Police have arrested a 40-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a series of islandwide loanshark harassment cases, which included setting fire to homes.

On Saturday afternoon, police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment involving fire in the vicinity of Serangoon North Avenue 1.

At about 8pm the same day, the suspect was arrested at Beo Crescent where he was seized with loanshark-related paraphernalia including several handphones, paint brushes and a lighter. The suspect is believed to be responsible for more than 10 cases of loanshark harassment, including two which involved fire at Serangoon and Bedok Reservoir.

Head of Unlicensed Moneylending Strikeforce from the Criminal Investigation Department Superintendent of Police Aileen Yap said: "Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment. Upon conviction, these perpetrators can expect to be caned and jailed for damaging property and causing alarm to the general community."

"No effort will be spared to nab them to face the full consequences of their misdeeds regardless of their age," she added.