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Surge in online scams, overall crime low in 2015: MHA

Photo: AFP

Online crimes rose sharply last year even as overall crime remained low, said the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday (10 February).

The increase in online crimes, especially scams, has been the trend since 2013, MHA said in a media release.

In comparison, almost all other crime classes fell in 2015. Violent/serious property crimes and housebreaking and related crimes dropped to the lowest levels in 20 years. The number of unlicensed moneylending harassment cases declined further and was at its lowest in 10 years.

While the overall drug situation remains stable, the number of new drug abusers, especially those below 30, continued to rise last year.

Terrorism is the most significant security threat that Singapore faces, MHA said. The public should be vigilant against potential dangers and signs of terrorism, such as individuals who may be self-radicalised, it added.

MHA also said it is experiencing increasing workload in areas such as emergency response and immigration.

In the last five years, the number of emergency ambulance calls has risen about 5 per cent a year. This trend will worsen as Singapore’s population continues to age, said MHA.

MHA advises the public to call 1777 for non-emergency ambulance needs, so that the Singapore Civil Defense Force can use its limited resources optimally.

Photo: MHA