Four teenagers arrested for allegedly assaulting and robbing victims

SINGAPORE: Four teenagers, aged between 18 and 19, were arrested for their suspected involvement in a case of voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery, said the police on Friday (Aug 5).

Police said they were alerted to an alleged case of assault along the back lane of Arab Street on Thursday at 9.20pm.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a group of four teenagers had allegedly assaulted two victims, aged 14 and 16, and demanded their cash and mobile phones. 

"Out of fear, the victims complied with the instructions and handed over cash amounting to S$20 and one mobile phone each to the group before they fled," said the police. 

Both victims suffered some bruises and lacerations, added the police.

Police identified the teenagers and subsequently arrested them.

The teenagers will be charged on Saturday with voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery. If found guilty, they can be jailed for between five and 20 years and can receive a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.

“The police take a serious view of violent offences committed in public and will hunt down the perpetrators relentlessly," said Jeremy Ang Boon Sheng, commander of Central Police Division and Assistant Commissioner of Police.

"We will spare no effort to ensure that such criminals who endanger the public’s sense of safety and security are dealt with firmly and to the fullest extent of the law.”

When confronted in a robbery, members of the public are advised to remain calm, take note of the physical appearance and distinctive features of the perpetrator, and call for the police as soon as possible.