Litterbug caught by NEA filmed fleeing

A litterbug was filmed running away when he was caught red-handed outside Ngee Ann City last Tuesday (Sept 5). PHOTO: ST FILE

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has urged the public to cooperate with its officers, after a litterbug was filmed running away when he was caught red-handed outside Ngee Ann City last Tuesday.

In a statement yesterday, the agency said it was aware of the video - uploaded on the Sure Boh Singapore Facebook page - that showed the man being approached by two NEA officers.

He was initially seen ignoring them and walking away, before suddenly making a run for it. The two officers then gave chase.

NEA revealed that the man had been caught littering and was trying to evade enforcement action.

"Our officers caught up with him, and advised him to calm down and cooperate," said the statement.

"The male offender then produced his particulars and a Notice to Attend Court was issued to him for his littering offence."

NEA added that additional charges will be filed against him for hindering its officers from discharging their duties.

The agency also sought the public's cooperation to not obstruct or hinder NEA officers from taking enforcement action against environmental offences.

"Those who prevent NEA officers from doing their duties may face additional charges, on top of the environmental offences they had committed," it added.

In July, a 22-year-old man was subsequently arrested after he pushed an NEA officer and fled when he was caught littering at Woodlands Square. He was arrested after police established his identity from CCTV images and intensive ground inquiry.

A 57-year-old man was also arrested last month at Woodlands Centre Road for forcefully grabbing the arm of an NEA officer, after he was spotted smoking under a covered walkway where smoking is prohibited.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 13, 2017, with the headline Litterbug caught by NEA filmed fleeing. Subscribe