NSFs stole nearly $2,000 worth of Pokemon cards and card sleeves
SINGAPORE — Two full-time National Servicemen (NSF) stole nearly $2,000 worth of Pokemon merchandise from the Pokemon Centre located at Changi Jewel and a gift shop in Tanglin Mall.
One of them, Benjamin Chua Yuu Zhe, 21, was given a year's probation on Wednesday (12 January). As part of his probation, he will have to remain indoors between 10pm and 6am, and perform 40 hours of community service. His grandfather was also placed on $5,000 bond to ensure Chua’s good behaviour.
The other person, Joshua Marcus Lee Zhanhong, 20, was given a similar one-year probation on 8 December last year with the same conditions imposed.
Both were NSFs with the Singapore Armed Forces during the offences, and both pleaded guilty to multiple charges of theft.
The stolen items were mostly Pokemon cards in Elite trainer boxes and card sleeves.
Stole from Pokemon Centre twice in two days
On 14 June last year, Chua and Lee went to the Pokemon Centre at Jewel Changi Airport, and stole two Elite Shining Fates trainer boxes and two packets of Deck Shield sleeves, slipping the items into Lee’s bag and Chua’s jacket.
Two days later, they went to the store to steal more items. They took three Pokemon Elite Shining Fates trainer boxes and placed them into their bags while hidden between shelves. A staff member of the store discovered the items missing and viewed CCTV footage before reporting the matter to the police.
However on 18 June, the duo returned to the store for a third time, and were seen behaving suspiciously. The staff recognised them from CCTV footage and informed the police. Both were arrested, and the items were recovered from Lee’s residence.
Earlier on 12 June, the duo had also gone to Gifts Greetings at Tanglin Mall to commit thievery. They slipped five items, including metal boxes with cards and a Sword & Shield box, into their bags. Their acts were also caught on CCTV camera.
The stolen loot worth around $1,934.70, was recovered from both their residences. The pair have since made full restitution for the stolen items.
Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
