A man wearing a surgical mask staged a robbery at a SingPost branch in Potong Pasir yesterday by helping himself to $3,000 in the counter drawer after a staff member fled to safety.
There was no weapon involved and no one was injured, the police said in a statement yesterday, appealing for more information on the male suspect, who was wearing a black cap, a black sweater, blue jeans and black shoes, and was also carrying a black sling bag.
The police said it received a report of the robbery at about 1.30pm, and that the suspect was last seen running in the direction of Upper Serangoon Road, along Potong Pasir Avenue 1.
The man had walked into the SingPost branch at Potong Pasir Community Club and demanded a female staff member hand over all the money.
"The female staff immediately ran into a room for safety. The male suspect then climbed over the counter and made off with about $3,000 in cash that was placed in the drawers," said the police.
A spokesman for SingPost said its staff are trained to remain calm and alert in such situations, and that its post offices are equipped with security alarms and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
"While the investigation by the police is in progress, the Potong Pasir branch will open tomorrow as usual at 9.30am."
The People's Association (PA), which manages community clubs, said safety of residents is its top priority, adding that its premises are monitored by CCTV.
"This has enabled us to help the police with their investigations. As the matter is now under police investigation, it is not appropriate to comment further."
When The Straits Times arrived at the community club at about 5pm, an area surrounding the SingPost outlet where the robbery took place was cordoned off. But activities at the club were going on, with people seen playing badminton and reading newspapers.
Cook Richard Low, who had been waiting at the community club for a friend, said he saw a man wearing black walking quickly past him towards Potong Pasir Avenue 1 at about 1.30pm.
"But I didn't know what he was up to or what he was doing, so I just continued to do my own thing," the 25-year-old said.
A bakery shop assistant who works across the road said she was shocked to hear that a robbery had taken place in the quiet neighbourhood.
"The suspect must have been quite brave to do something like that, especially since there is a police post right next to the community club," said the 37-year-old woman who wanted to be known only as Ms Chee.
At about 6.30pm, police officers were seen leaving the scene with evidence. Police investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information can call the police hotline on 1800-255-0000 or go online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness
