A suspect in a jewellery burglary case in Singapore has absconded while on bail, leading the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.
Long Zhihua, a 39-year-old Chinese national, is facing charges related to housebreaking and possession of stolen property after a break-in at a private residence last year in which jewellery valued at over S$570,000 was taken.
Incident Details and Investigation
The alleged burglary took place on 21 June 2024 at a residence along Windsor Park Road. Long and a co-accused, 44-year-old Luo Changchang, are accused of unlawfully entering the property by scaling a wall before removing a significant quantity of jewellery.
The investigation involved a review of security camera footage in the area, leading to the arrest of both suspects on 26 June 2024. The arrests took place at a hotel in Geylang, where some of the stolen items were found in their room.
Court Proceedings and Bail Breach
The pair were formally charged on 28 June 2024. While Luo has remained in remand since the arrest, Long was released on bail. He failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing on 25 April 2025, prompting a postponement to allow his lawyer and the investigating officer time to contact him. His continued absence at a subsequent hearing on 23 May 2025 resulted in the revocation of his bail and the issuance of a warrant for his arrest.
Long’s case is scheduled to be reviewed again on 4 July 2025. Luo’s hearing is set for 25 July 2025.
Context for the Jewellery Industry
The case highlights ongoing incidents of organised property crime involving high-value items. Singapore police previously reported an increase in burglaries involving foreign groups, particularly in landed residential properties. In response, authorities increased patrols and tightened security in these areas.
For jewellers, this incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with the storage and handling of fine jewellery, particularly when kept outside commercial premises. It also underscores the importance of effective inventory tracking, comprehensive insurance, and coordination with law enforcement in the event of theft.
Under Singaporean law, a conviction for housebreaking can carry a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine.
