The police said at least four cases of theft at various housing estates have been reported, all involving the same tactic - a woman had led male victims to staircase landings where she hugged and touched them, and then stole cash from their pockets.

The cases were reported between Nov 19 last year and Jan 21 this year at Holland Avenue, Beach Road, Bedok Drive and Bukit Batok East, said the police in a statement on Wednesday.

In the cases, the female suspect, aged between 30 and 60, would target elderly men who were alone at the void decks. As of Tuesday, the suspect had stolen $1,970 from the victims.

The police reminds the public to remain vigilant, and to be wary of strangers trying to strike up a conversation. They advise the public to keep their wallets in their front pocket, to not let anyone fiddle with their belongings and not to carry large amounts of cash.

Anyone with information concerning this crime can call the police hotline on 1800-255-0000, or 999 for urgent police assistance.