A 39-year old woman has been arrested in connection with several break-ins at Bukit Merah Central.

The police received a few reports of shops around Bukit Merah Central being broken into on Sunday and Monday. In one of the reports, a 30-year old man said his hair salon had been burgled and that cash amounting to $650 was missing.

Officers conducted on-scene investigations, carried out extensive ground enquiries, and retrieved CCTV footage from the crime scenes. From these, the suspect's identity was established.

Less than two days after the first report was lodged, the suspect was arrested around Jalan Bukit Merah on Monday afternoon. She was found to be carrying the tools she used for the break-ins, and these were seized.

She is believed to be behind five cases of break-ins at Bukit Merah Central.

Anyone convicted of Housebreaking and Theft by Night under Section 457 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224 can face imprisonment of up to 14 years.

Acting Commander of Clementi Police Division, Superintendent of Police Gwee Aik Chiong, urged shop owners to play an active role in securing and safe-guarding their premises.

He suggests these preventive measures:

a)Ensure the main doors are properly secured with strong grilles and sturdy locks; and

b)Install a burglar alarm, sensor light and/or close circuit surveillance camera to cover the access points into your premises. Ensure that they are tested periodically and in good working condition.