Pls refer to this post:
http://www.api.sg/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1487
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Dec 4, 2006
CAUGHT ON CAMERA:
Break-ins on state properties
Most culprits go for the costly copper wires but some loot signs
and even trees
By Ben Nadarajan
REMOTE CONTROL: Evtec has helped nab 15 culprits since it was
engaged in October. Its Paya Lebar command centre relies on
patrolling teams and a CCTV system which sends out alerts when
movement is detected. -- BRYAN VAN DER BEEK
FROM old army camps to schools, there are over 100 vacant
state-owned properties - a number of which have attracted gangs of
burglars.
In some odd instances, the intruders said they were checking if the
sites were haunted.
In the last two months, the two security firms responsible for
guarding such unoccupied buildings have encountered at least 20
intruders.
The thieves usually make off with copper wires, but they have
looted metal signs and even trees.
GOTCHA!: Evtec's motion-activated cameras captured these images of
two trespassers moving about an abandoned building. -- BRYAN VAN
DER BEEK
The vacant sites - which also include police and fire stations and
hospitals - are left empty while the Singapore Land Authority (SLA)
scouts for new tenants, a process which could take several months
or even years.
The entrances to these properties are padlocked.
GOTCHA!: Evtec's motion-activated cameras captured these images of
two trespassers moving about an abandoned building. -- BRYAN VAN
DER BEEK
In October, the SLA engaged two new security firms - Prime Security
Services and Evtec Management Services - to guard the vacant
premises.
Since then, Prime has foiled five burglaries while Evtec helped nab
15 culprits.
With copper prices having trebled and scrap-metal shops paying
about $10 for a kilo of copper wire, most of the break-in thieves
go for the wires.
Many construction sites and public buildings have also been targets
of copper looting. In October, thieves made off with 27 copper
lightning rods worth $13,500 from the Pasir Panjang Nursery.
Aluminium prices have also shot up, making window louvres, metal
signs on walls and metal rubbish bins tempting targets for
robbers.
The burglars come prepared with tools such as cutters, pliers and
gloves. They climb over the gates or cut holes in the fences to
squeeze through.
Prime's manager, Mr Jesu Kumar, said his men even came across a
burglar who had removed air-conditioning units from the old Warren
Golf and Country Club in Clementi.
Ms G. Pereira, managing director of Evtec, said thieves have taken
sinks and toilet bowls as well. 'They will basically take anything
that can fetch them some money,' she said.
There was an unusual case last month: Three men broke into the old
Keat Hong army camp in Choa Chu Kang for its trees.
Using an electric saw, they had chopped down three trees before
they were spotted by a security team from Evtec, which rushed down
after the trio were spotted on closed-circuit television.
Two ran off but the one who was caught came up with a wild tale
that they were selling the tree trunks to the zoo.
Every now and then, thrill-seekers also get caught - many said they
were there to check out rumours that the sites were haunted.
An SLA spokesman said: 'When we come across activities by
paranormal groups, we are not in favour of granting them permission
to enter our vacant buildings in the interest of their personal
safety as the buildings are not lit.'
The SLA said it takes trespassing on state properties seriously.
Trespassers on state land can be jailed for up to six months and
fined a maximum of $5,000. The court can also order that the
culprit pays for any damage to the property.
The two security firms rely on technology to guard the vacant
sites.
Evtec does not deploy guards on-site, but relies on patrolling
teams and a CCTV system which displays images on a monitor screen
when movement is detected on the premises.
Its command centre in Paya Lebar will then notify the nearest
patrol team and call the police as well.
The surveillance set-up is so sensitive that even rustling leaves
or strong winds could activate the CCTV pop-up alert.
Such a system requires only a few officers to monitor its array of
up to 1,000 cameras.
If anyone tries to cut the wires linked to the CCTV system, the
office will be alerted immediately.
Two groups of thieves did just that but were scared off by
responding Evtec guards.
Evtec has recently added dogs to its patrol teams.
Prime stations a guard at each of its sites, and complements their
presence with a shrill alarm triggered by heat sensors.
[email protected]
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Due to unsavoury
characters* who has been "spoiling market" , for us genuine
explorers who want just a look and feel of a place. I feel angry
however at how inconsiderate they are.
(*People like those who go in to
steal things, vandalize, behave like monkeys make hell alot of
noise with disrespect to the place and surroundings.)
I hope future explorations undertaken by anyone would be low
profile and not against the law. You don't have to make a nuisance
of yourself once you are at the location, or kicking doors,
breaking windows, spraying paint, screaming shouting...etc
etc.
Just take a look, remember the place, take photos if you have to,
and leave the location in it's original state, be considerate for
the next person who will visit.
Thanks. Have a nice day
