SINGAPORE - A 38-year-old man suspected of being involved with at least four house break-ins was arrested on Monday (March 14), police said.

The crimes were reported at Ang Mo Kio, Sembawang and Bishan estates.

In three of the cases, reported on Saturday, cash and valuables worth about $300 were stolen from homes in Ang Mo Kio and Sembawang.

The suspect was arrested at Block 325 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 on Monday at about 8pm.

Preliminary investigations found that the suspect had used a pole to pick up the valuables from the units.

He is also believed to be involved in another case of break-in in Bishan.

If found guilty, the suspect can be jailed up to 10 years.

Police advised home owners to adopt certain crime prevention measures:

* Avoid leaving valuables near openings such as windows and doors

* Ensure all doors, windows and other openings are well secured with good quality grilles and close-shackled padlocks

* Secure all doors and window grills before retiring to bed or when leaving one's home unattended, even for a short while

* Install a burglar alarm, motion sensor light and/or close circuit surveillance camera to cover the access points into one's home