Two Chinese nationals, Long Zhihua, 38, and Luo Changchang, 44, have admitted to breaking into a residence in Singapore’s Windsor Park Road area and stealing jewellery worth approximately S$570,000 (US$422,000).
Both individuals are linked to a larger criminal syndicate targeting private estates in Singapore.
Details of the Break-In
The incident occurred on 21 June 2023, when the duo identified a house with no visible lights and scaled a metre-high wall fence. Once inside, they forced open a glass door to access the victim’s bedroom, using a torch to search for valuables. They carefully replaced the drawers to conceal signs of entry and left with 27 pieces of jewellery, including high-value items such as:
- A pair of emerald earrings valued at S$100,000.
- A diamond choker worth S$60,000.
- A diamond opal choker worth S$28,000.
- Sapphire- and ruby-adorned hairclips valued at S$13,000.
The victim, a 53-year-old woman, discovered the theft upon returning home later that night. Despite efforts by authorities, jewellery worth S$390,200 remains unrecovered.
Syndicate Operations and Investigations
Court documents revealed that Long and Luo were part of a larger syndicate operating out of China. The syndicate allegedly sent several members to Singapore earlier in 2023 with the explicit aim of housebreaking and theft. Between June and August, 10 housebreaking incidents in private estates resulted in losses estimated at S$3.85 million.
Long and Luo, who arrived in Singapore in mid-June, shared accommodations at a local hotel and intended to return to China by the end of the month. Following their arrests on 26 June, authorities identified them through CCTV footage, which linked them to the Windsor Park Road burglary.
During the investigation, some stolen items and S$9,634.60 in cash were recovered from their hotel room. Authorities stated that the suspects did not fully cooperate, providing incomplete information about the stolen goods and their associates.
Implications for Security in Residential Areas
This case highlights security risks in residential areas, particularly in affluent neighbourhoods. The victim has since invested in reinforced locks, CCTV systems, and deterrent signage, costing S$1,295.
Jewellers and industry stakeholders should consider measures to help protect valuable items, such as secure storage options and comprehensive insurance coverage. These precautions can help mitigate the risk of theft for private clients and retail environments alike.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Both men have pleaded guilty to housebreaking, with Long facing an additional charge of possessing stolen property. Sentencing is scheduled for 16 January 2024. They face potential jail terms of up to 10 years and fines.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Kathy Chu emphasised the organised nature of their actions, highlighting the financial losses suffered by the victim. Chu has sought a sentence of between five-and-a-half to six years for both men, with Long expected to receive a harsher penalty.
This case serves as a reminder for stakeholders in the jewellery sector to remain vigilant and aware of criminal activity targeting high-value goods.
