A 78-year-old woman was robbed of five mobile phones and other belongings worth about $3,000 while walking alone at Toa Payoh Rise at 1:20 AM on Thursday (24 Apr 2025).
The woman was carrying five mobile phones when she left home, reportedly to play Pokémon GO, according to Shin Min Daily News.
A food delivery worker in the area told reporters that the location typically attracts many Pokémon GO players.
Police reports indicate that a man stole the woman’s sling bag from behind. The bag contained five mobile phones worth about $3,000, a portable WiFi router, an EZ-Link card, and other items.
Officers from the Tanglin Police Division identified the suspect after reviewing CCTV footage from nearby buildings and arrested him on the same day.
The 30-year-old suspect, Muhaimin Bin Hairul Azzat, was charged in court on Saturday (26 Apr 2025).
Court documents showed that the stolen bag was worth $10 and contained a wallet, an iPhone 15, four Samsung Galaxy phones, bank cards, a Pokémon GO Plus device, and other items.
Under Section 356 of the Penal Code, robbery convictions carry imprisonment of one to seven years, plus caning.
Police stated they have zero tolerance for such criminal acts and will work diligently to apprehend criminals.
The public is advised to remain calm in similar situations, note the offender’s physical characteristics, and report to police promptly.
