A Fruitful Crime Turns Costly

SINGAPORE: In a bizarre twist of fate, a 56-year-old man, Sew Swee Chai, found himself behind bars after committing a series of unusual thefts—stealing durians and amulets. On September 15, he received a nine-week jail sentence for his audacious crimes.

Durian Obsession Leads to Theft

The court uncovered that Sew's criminal escapade began on the night of September 6, 2024, as he lurked outside a closed fruit stall in Bukit Batok. Driven by a craving for the prized Black Gold durians, he meticulously anchored his plan. Sew attempted to disable the CCTV by unplugging electrical sources, unaware that the cameras were still operational.

Confident that he had outsmarted the system, Sew brazenly walked into the stall, snatched nine durians valued at around S$250 (approximately US$195), and made his swift exit. His luck ran out when the stall assistant reviewed the CCTV footage the next day and summoned the police, leading to Sew's identification.

The Amulet Adventure Goes Awry

But Sew's antics didn’t end there. Just two weeks later, on September 20, he tried his hand at a different type of heist at Fu Lu Shou Complex. Intrigued by a selection of amulets, he couldn’t resist their allure. He stealthily pocketed three amulets worth S$180 before the stall owner caught him red-handed.

Despite his attempts to flee, Sew was apprehended before he could escape. The stall owner promptly alerted the police, leading to his arrest. Sew's luck had officially run out.

A Lesson Learned?

Now facing justice, Sew has already reimbursed for the stolen durians. However, under Singapore law, each theft charge could have carried a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, plus hefty fines. As he serves time for his whims, it serves as a cautionary tale about the cost of petty crime—and just how slippery the slope can be when one indulges in their cravings.