SINGAPORE - Overall crime in Singapore remained low, according to figures released by the police Saturday morning (Feb 3) at the Annual Crime Brief 2017.
There was a one per cent drop in overall crime in 2017, from 33,099 cases in 2016 to 32,773 last year.
The improvements were largely attributed to two categories - violent/serious property crimes, and theft and related crimes.
There was a 12.4 per cent drop in violent/serious property crimes, from 249 cases in 2016 to 218 cases last year.
Robberies also declined by 26 per cent - the lowest since 1984. There were 71 cases in 2017 compared to 96 cases in 2016.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Tan Chye Hee said the police will continue to work with the community to keep crime at bay.
DC Tan said: "Both overall crime and overall crime rate have decreased for a second consecutive year in 2017... As crimes become increasingly transnational, we must not take our safety and security for granted."
Police said there were areas of concern. Internet love scams saw a 29.9 percent increase to 825 cases last year, from 635 reported cases in 2016.
The total amount lost by victims also increased by about 50 per cent from $24 million in 2016 to $37 million in 2017.
Director of Commercial Affairs Department David Chew said the police will continue to engage the community "to sensitise the public to the fact that scams can be perpetrated against them anywhere, anytime."
Speaking at the Cybercrime and Anti-Scam campaign Roadshow held at Suntec City on Saturday, Mrs Josephine Teo, Second Minister for Home Affairs, said efforts will be stepped up to raise public awareness, and vigilance.
At the event, Mrs Teo presented awards to 43 individuals and 17 organisations for their efforts in preventing scams from escalating.
The crime statistics also show that unlicensed moneylending (UML) harassment cases rose 12.3 per cent to 3,806 cases last year.
But the number of cases involving damage to property as a result of UML harassment fell.
Police said harassment is now conducted via electronic means involving text messages or e-mails sent to borrowers.
Such harassment cases rose by about 33 per cent in 2017, from 2,080 cases in 2016.
The police have urged the public to stay vigilant and raise the alarm in suspected cases of outrage of modesty (OM) which increased by 22 per cent to 1,566 cases in 2017, from 1,282 reported cases in 2016.
Of concern was the 60.5 per cent rise in OM cases on public transport last year, from 129 reported cases in 2016, and about 33 per cent increase in OM cases at entertainment outlets, from 80 cases in 2016.
More police presence on transportation nodes and public engagement by officers on patrol will be implemented.
Victims are also advised to lodge reports of OM as soon as possible.
