SINGAPORE - An initiative to enhance the safety and security of heartland malls and provide a safe and secure shopping environment for both retailers and shoppers has helped deter theft at two malls.

Nex in Serangoon and AMK Hub in Ang Mo Kio had theft cases fall by 12.9 per cent from 2014 to 2015, after joining the police's Mall Watch initiative.

The police said it is planning to extend the initiative to other malls, Shin Min Daily News reported on Saturday (Nov 26).

So far, another mall has joined in - Waterway Point. Dr Janil Puthucheary, Minister of State for Communication & Information and Education, launched Mall Watch at the Police Community Roadshow at the shopping centre on Saturday.

Under the initiative, police officers from Ang Mo Kio Division conduct regular training, joint patrol, and activities with the retailers and staff from Waterway Point to raise awareness on crime prevention.

The police said in a statement on Saturday that surveys are also conducted with the retailers to assess and improve the effectiveness of their security measures.

Meanwhile, the Police Community Roadshow at Waterway Point is one of four such weekly events happening at four locations across Singapore .

Police said the roadshows are meant to raise awareness on police work. For instance, the public can view equipment used by frontline policing officers.