Police arrest suspect for spate of taxi robberies in the east

A 42-year-old man, Ng Kian Yong, suspected of robbing several taxi drivers around Geylang, Eunos Crescent and Sims Drive was arrested last night.

A total of four cases were reported between March 18 and 20.

The police found that the suspect would board taxis from Geylang, Sims Avenue or Sims Drive and direct the taxi driver to Geylang or Eunos Crescent. Upon reaching the destination, the suspect, seated behind, would place a 20cms long chopper on the taxi driver's neck and demand for cash. He would then flee on foot after getting hold of the money.

Believing it was the same culprit, four officers from the Bedok Police Division mounted operations and stake-outs at various locations. He was arrested at Geylang Lorong 23 at 10pm last night.

Police said he will be charged in court this morning with armed robbery. If convicted, he faces a jail term of up to 14 years and at least 12 strokes of the cane.

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