Need more ‘rotan’ beats…😏😏
A 24-hour laundry store located at Block 801 West Coast has been constantly subject to vandalism and disturbance by a group of youths. Cleanpro Express Self-Service Laundry, which started operating in August 2024, has grappled with the repeated acts of vandalism and unruly behavior from a gang of approximately eight boys, causing significant financial strain and driving away customers.
The youths have been seen loitering, littering, and causing a ruckus inside the establishment. They were observed casually sitting on benches, chatting, riding bikes within the store, charging their personal mobility devices using the store’s extension cord, and consuming food and drinks. The situation worsened as one of the youths climbed inside a dryer, leading to actual damage to the equipment. A staff member remarked, “After the boy climbed into the dryer, the dryer’s hinges were loosened and had to be tightened back in place.”
The aftermath of their presence inside the store left evident traces of damage, with bike tire marks, litter, and sticky residue left behind. According to the staff, the boys would purchase food and drinks from a nearby convenience store and consume them within the laundry store, leaving behind significant litter and residue. The staff also highlighted substantial damage to the store’s machines, internet wiring, and overall infrastructure, resulting in considerable financial strain due to repair costs and operational disruptions. The business has also suffered the loss of customers due to safety concerns and functionality issues caused by the vandalism. Cleanpro Express Self-Service Laundry emphasized the negative impact of such behavior on their business, stating, “Businesses should not have to suffer due to irresponsible behavior, and such acts of vandalism cannot be tolerated in our community.”
In response to the situation, Cleanpro Express Self-Service Laundry has reached out to the police, expressing their distress over the lack of action. The establishment’s repeated calls for intervention have resulted in only limited progress, leaving them feeling neglected and frustrated. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) acknowledged the situation, confirming that a report was lodged and investigations are ongoing.
The laundry store’s experience underscores the corrosive impact of irresponsible and unlawful behavior on businesses, highlighting the need for community intervention and support to safeguard public spaces and uphold law and order.
