Singapore 2020 Crime & Safety Report - OSAC
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Singapore 2020 Crime & Safety Report
This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office, U.S. Embassy
Singapore. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions
in Singapore. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Singapore country page for original OSAC
reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-
sector representatives with an OSAC password.
Travel Advisory
According to the current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication,
Singapore has been assessed as Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Review
OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
Crime Threats
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Singapore as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed
at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Singapore remains one of the safest cities in the world.
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit 2019 Safe Cities Index, Singapore topped the list as the
world’s safest city in the categories of Personal and Infrastructure security. The “Lion City” also ranked
first in the 2019 Gallup Global Law and Order report. Crime is generally non-confrontational and non-
violent in nature, and incidents are typically crimes of opportunity (e.g. purse snatching, pickpocketing,
theft of unattended property). Violent crime is rare. If a weapon is involved, it is likely an edged weapon
(e.g. knife, box cutter), as authorities strictly control firearms, and the punishment for possessing them is
severe. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind.
In 2019, the crime rate in Singapore increased by 16.3% to 35,209 reported cases, up from 32,126
reported incidents in 2018. The increase in the number of crimes is attributed to a rise in scam-related
cases. If scams were excluded, the total number of reported crimes would have decreased by 4.6% to
25,707 cases in 2019, from 26, 937 in 2018. Four of the six categories of crime saw sharp declines in 2019
from the previous year. Crimes against persons dropped 12.2%, serious property crimes plummeted
26.2%, housebreaking decreased by 14.9% and theft dipped 8%. Motor vehicle and related thefts and
robbery and snatch theft cases registered a 35-year low in 2019 with 24.1% and 22.2% declines
respectively. Singapore also saw a 5.6% decrease in “Outrage of Modesty (OM)” (rude/inappropriate
behavior) cases in 2019. OM cases can range from unwelcome comments or gestures to inappropriate
physical contact. Most OM incidents occurred on public transportation, at shopping malls, and popular
nightlife venues. Singapore was proud to announce a period of 179 crime-free days in 2019 without any
reports of snatch theft, robbery, or burglary.
1
Although Geylang and certain lower-cost government housing areas suffer from more serious crimes (e.g.
mugging, loan sharking, and illicit drug use), the rate is still lower than comparable areas in the U.S.
Geylang is a known “red light” district, harboring prostitutes and reportedly hosting an increase in
organized criminal gangs. Prostitution is legal, but various prostitution-related activities – public
solicitation, under-age prostitution, pimping, living on the earnings of a prostitute, maintaining a brothel
– are not. In practice, the police are believed to unofficially tolerate and monitor a limited number of
brothels.
Singapore’s nationwide network of police cameras has been helpful in fighting crime. To date, Singapore
police have installed over 80,000 cameras throughout the country, to include 10,000 cameras in Housing
and Development Board (HDB) blocks and multi-story car parks (MSCPs) as part of a program known as
PolCam. PolCam is a multi-year public initiative to enhance the safety and security of neighborhoods and
public spaces using a large network of police cameras.
Vandalism carries minimum sentencing that includes caning.
Other Areas of Concern
The areas where bars stay open late – namely Robertson, Clarke, and Boat Quays along the Singapore
River, and the Orchard Towers complex on Orchard Road – represent most likely zones for people to find
trouble in Singapore, especially at night. Review OSAC’s report, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.
Cybersecurity Issues
Singapore is a digitally connected city, making it susceptible to online crimes, many perpetrated by foreign
online syndicates. Online scams rose by 53.5% to 9,502 cases in 2019, from 6,189 in 2018. This made up
27% of the overall crime for the year. Along with the spike in online scams came a substantial increase in
the amount of money lost by victims. Losses from the top ten scams totaled SGD$168.1 million, up from
SGD$144.9 million the previous year. Such cases include unauthorized access or transaction of an
individual’s online accounts, unauthorized purchases using credit/debit cards, and phishing emails that
obtained sensitive personal information. Of particular concern to the SPF are e-commerce scams, credit-
for-sex scams, and loan scams, which constituted 60% of the top ten scams.
For consecutive years, e-commerce scams have the highest number of reported cases. For 2019, the
number of e-commerce cases rose 30% to 2,809. Victims lost approximately SGD$2.3 million.
Loan Scams increased by 83.2% to 1,772 cases in 2019. Total amount defrauded was approximately
SGD$6.8 million, and the largest single amount lost was SGD$195,000.
Credit-for-sex scams are scams in which criminals pose as attractive women on social media platforms in
order to convince men to buy them gift cards with the promise that they will meet, go on a date, and/or
offer sexual services. Such scams were the third-most reported type of online scam, and rose sharply by
99.8% to 1,065 cases in 2019, up from 533 in 2018. The total amount lost was approximately SGD $1.5
million. Alipay and iTunes cards are often used for money transfers related to e-commerce scams.
2Singapore Top Ten Scam Categories in 2019
Cases Change Money Largest Single
Reported From (SGD) Lost Amount (SGD)
2019 2018 2019 Lost
E-Commerce Scams 2,809 +648 $2.3m $180k
Loan Scams 1,772 +805 $6.8m $195k
Credit-For-Sex Scams 1,065 +532 $2.8m $80k
Social Media Impersonation Scams 810 +703 $3.1m $330k
Internet Love Scams 649 -19 $34.6m $4.6m
Investment Scams 508 +161 $36.9m $5.3m
China Officials Impersonation Scams 455 +154 $21.1 $1.3
Business Email Impersonation Scams 385 +10 $45.4m $4.1m
Lucky Draw Scams 311 +152 $1.2m $314k
Tech Support Scams 249 +226 $13.9m $1.6m
The top five digital platforms used in e-commerce scams are 1) Carousell, 1,239 cases; 2) Facebook, 602;
3) Shopee, 279; 4) Lazada, 197, and; 5) Instagram, 103.
ScamAlert.sg provides information on the latest scams in Singapore, and allows the public to share their
experiences with others. Victims can also report scams to the Anti-Scam Helpline at: 1-800-722-6688.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi,
Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?
Transportation-Safety Situation
Road Safety and Road Conditions
Singapore is a right-side drive nation with first-world road conditions, including well-illuminated and well-
paved thoroughfares with English-language signage, and 4- to 6-lane expressways spanning the country.
Although traffic can be a bit more hectic than what is common in the U.S., with drivers seemingly
occupying two lanes at once and motorcycles darting from lane to lane between cars, traffic accidents are
relatively rare. Nevertheless, drivers should be cautious, as speed cameras are present, and police
regularly enforce speeding violations.
3Drivers should recognize the difficulty posed by frequent, sometimes heavy downpours that can dump
several inches of water on the roads in minutes.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving
Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Conditions
As a result of the high cost of owning a personal vehicle and the government’s significant emphasis on
promoting public transportation, Singapore offers a wide variety of publicly accessible forms of transit
(i.e. bus, rail, taxi, and increasingly, ride-share services). At least half of Singapore’s population rides public
transportation, with about 5.4 million trips made each day.
Singapore's public transportation system includes Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), and
buses. Thanks to new construction, the MRT network in Singapore continues to expand. The system now
encompasses more than 130 stations and 200 kilometers of track across five lines. The MRT has over three
million riders daily. The LRT has 40 stations across two lines and 28 kilometers of track. The North-South
Line, East-West Line, and Circle Line are operated by SMRT Trains (SMRT Corporation), while the North-
East Line and Downtown Line are run by SBS Transit. Although buses still enjoy daily ridership exceeding
the number carried on both the MRT and LRT systems, the Land Transport Authority plans to expand the
rail system such that buses will play only a feeder role to an extensive rail network.
Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Aviation/Airport Conditions
Singapore’s Changi International Airport (SIN), with its four terminals, is one of the most important
aviation hubs in the region. Changi Airport handles over 65 million passengers each year and has been
voted number one in the world in terms of customer satisfaction for several years running.
Terrorism Threat
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Singapore as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism
directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Singapore remains relatively free from credible
terrorism threats. The Singaporean government, however, regularly cites terrorism as one of its top
concerns, and is keenly aware of the threats posed by self-radicalized Singaporeans and returning terrorist
fighters. Authorities are concerned returning foreign terrorist fighters and self-radicalized individuals from
neighboring countries might attempt to travel to Singapore to conduct an attack.
A small number of Singaporean citizens have traveled to Syria to join ISIS. Local media has expressed
concerns that home-grown, self-radicalized terrorists may become a security issue. As part of an effort to
counter these concerns, the government has continued to make use of the Internal Security Act (ISA),
which authorizes the arrest and detention of individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist activities
for up to two years without trial. As of the date of this report, 2019 statistics for the number of individuals
dealt with under the ISA were not available. During 2017 and 2018, eight self-radicalized Singaporeans
had been issued Restriction Orders and/or Order of Detentions under the ISA, bringing the total to 22
since 2015.
4Singaporean officials frequently emphasize the importance of community involvement and preparedness
as a critical element in national security. In 2016, the government launched a mobile app called SGSecure
to better prepare the community against the threat of terrorism. The app allows the public to receive
alerts during terrorist attacks or other emergencies, to send information to the authorities, and to
download information on counterterrorism. Authorities have introduced SGSecure programs to schools,
workplaces, neighborhoods, and community groups to strengthen individual and institutional
preparedness. Following the launch of SGSecure, Singapore’s Home Team has been training local
communities to help prevent and respond to a terrorist attack. The government holds emergency
preparedness days during the year to prepare first responders and the public for a terror attack. Other
initiatives include the formation of neighborhood volunteer groups comprised of citizens who receive
instruction of life-saving skills like CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Singapore as a LOW-threat location for political violence.
Singapore has one of the most stable governments in the world. The government is competent in
managing the country's economy and largely free from political corruption. Although the constitution
provides for freedoms of speech and expression, the government imposes official restrictions on these
rights.
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) first assumed power prior to Singapore’s independence in 1959,
and has won a majority in every general election since 1965. The PAP has been criticized for maintaining
its political dominance in part by circumscribing political discourse and action, to include the restriction
of opposition parties. A constitutional provision, however, assures at least nine opposition members hold
seats in parliament.
Civil Unrest
Public demonstrations are legal only at Speakers’ Corner in Hong Lim Park, and most outdoor public
assemblies require a police permit. Singapore amended its laws in 2017 to forbid foreign nationals who
are not permanent residents from observing permitted public demonstrations, assemblies, and
processions at Speakers’ Corner. The law does not distinguish between participants and observers, so
authorities may consider anyone at Speakers’ Corner part of an event. Penalties may be severe, including
large fines and/or imprisonment.
Post-specific Concerns
Environmental Hazards
Singapore has not experienced significant natural disasters in recent years.
In September 2019, a thick haze from burning brush in Indonesian Sumatra covered much of the island,
elevating the Pollutant Standards Index to above 100 for the first time in three years. This resulted in
potential health risks for certain segments of the population prone to respiratory problems, the elderly,
and young children. Recess and other outdoor activities at schools were disrupted during this period. View
the Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) for Singapore online.
5Economic Concerns
Singapore’s judicial system is recognized around the world for its legitimacy and impartiality under the
law. Despite the emergence of cyber and economic crime, Transparency International’s Corruption
Perception Index ranked Singapore as the fourth least corrupt country in the world. A special agency
(Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, CPIB) investigates and prosecutes corruption charges.
Personal Identity Concerns
The law prohibits rude and disorderly behavior, particularly when directed toward women. Rules against
such behavior are firmly enforced and carry severe penalties, to include caning and imprisonment under
Singapore’s OM law. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.
Singapore does not recognize same-sex unions. The Penal Code criminalizes any “act of gross indecency”
between two men and prescribes a sentence not exceeding two years for those found guilty under this
law. The government has stated that it will not enforce this section of the Penal Code, but it remains as
an active statute. The government permits events that openly champion LGBTI+ issues on a limited basis,
but new regulations restrict foreign involvement. LGBTI+ individuals may have difficulty gaining
employment in certain sectors of the civil service. The Ministry of Manpower does not issue dependent
passes (work permits) to partners in lesbian and gay relationships, even if legally married in another
country. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.
Singapore has established a comprehensive code of standards for barrier-free accessibility, including
facilities for persons with physical disabilities, in all new buildings and has mandated the progressive
upgrading of older structures. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) is responsible for
protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and implementing programs and services in the disability
sector. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.
Singapore does not recognize dual nationality beyond the age of 22, and strictly enforces universal
national service for all male citizens and permanent residents.
The Singapore government continued to ban Jehovah’s Witness and the Unification Church. All written
materials published by the International Bible Students Association and the Watchtower Bible and Tract
Society, publishing arms of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, are likewise banned. Review OSAC’s report, Freedom
to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.
Drug-related Crimes
Even minor drug use/possession will result steep fines and imprisonment. Despite strict laws with severe
punishment, one can find drugs in Singapore. Methamphetamines, new psychoactive substances, and
cannabis are the top three categories of drugs abused in Singapore. The number of drug arrests in
Singapore in 2019 increased slightly by 2%. There was an 8% increase in 2019 in the number of new drug
abuser arrests, 61% of those arrested being under the age of 30. Visitors should be aware of the severe
penalties for narcotics trafficking, up to and including the death penalty and caning for even a small
amount of drugs. If the police have reason to believe an individual has consumed drugs, they have the
right to subject the person to a urine test and/or hair test. Failure to provide a urine or hair specimen will
result in a fine or imprisonment or both.
6Incidents of victims unknowingly ingesting a drug that has been placed in their drink occasionally occur.
Individuals who decide to frequent bars and nightclubs should exercise vigilance with their drinks and
should not accept drinks from strangers.
It is also illegal to possess, purchase and use vaporizers in Singapore. This includes e-cigarettes, e-pipes,
and e-cigars. Persons found guilty can receive fines of up to SGD $2,000. Importing vaporizers through
online shopping or other means can carry steeper penalties, to include imprisonment for up to 12 months.
Kidnapping Threat
Kidnappings are uncommon. There have only been three confirmed cases of kidnapping for ransom in the
last 13 years; authorities arrested and jailed for life all perpetrators. The last kidnapping for ransom
occurred in 2014, involving the mother of the CEO of a popular supermarket chain. The victim was
released unharmed, and authorities recovered the ransom. The two suspects were convicted and were
sentenced to life imprisonment.
Kidnapping scams, in which a perpetrator calls a victim and advises him/her that a member of the family
has been kidnapped and will be harmed unless a ransom is paid, may be more likely to occur than actual
kidnappings. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.
Police Response
The emergency line in SINGAPORE is 999. Every district has a dedicated neighborhood police center. Any
neighborhood police center, not just the district where the crime took place, will generally accept the
filing of a police report. The police response to crime is professional and effective. Authorities routinely
hold passports and prevent the departure of people who are under police investigation for criminal
charges.
Orchard Road Shopping District Police: + (65) 6733-0000
Central Business District Police: + (65) 6334-0000
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) stresses the role of the private sector and the general public in effectively
fighting both crime and terrorism. The SPF has established many outreach initiatives to help the average
citizen report crimes. A decrease in the number of motor vehicle-related thefts, for example, may be partly
attributed to the Police Vehicle on Watch (VOW) project which utilizes the more than 10,000 private
vehicles in over 800 car parks across Singapore serve as additional “eyes,” deterring crime, recording
incidents, and providing crucial leads for police investigations. Additionally, police use the Police@SG
mobile application and the online platform I-Witness to allow the public to report information about
criminal activity. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
To counter the growing trend of scams, the SPF launched the “Let’s Fight Scams” campaign, disseminated
scam crime advisories to all Singapore households, and worked with key stakeholders in the community
in extending outreach efforts to educate the public against scams.
U.S. citizens who are arrested or detained should ask police or prison officials to immediately notify the
U.S. Embassy. Find more information on the U.S. Embassy webpage. Authorities typically handle reports
involving police harassment promptly and in accordance with the prescribed regulations.
7Medical Emergencies
Healthcare services are first-rate. Private citizens from around the world travel to Singapore for medical
treatment. Most doctors and hospital staff speak fluent English. Most hospitals have medical centers with
doctors practicing a wide variety of specialties.
In the event of medical emergency, dial 995. Ambulance services are available across Singapore, though
response times may vary. Find contact information for available medical services and available air
ambulance services on the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.
Singapore is considered a preferred regional medical evacuation destination by the U.S. Department of
State and the U.S. private sector. Air ambulance services providing evacuation services from Singapore
are typically not required.
Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate, up-front payment for health services by credit card or
cash. U.S. health insurance is generally not accepted. Providers may require a substantial deposit before
admitting patients for any major medical treatment. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends
purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s
webpage on insurance overseas.
Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance
Singapore sees outbreaks of common mosquito transmitted illnesses such as Dengue Fever. Travelers
have minimal risk from malaria; prophylactic Malaria medications are not currently recommended. There
are sporadic cases of Zika Virus reported in Singapore. Air pollution from forest fires in neighboring
countries occurs intermittently, usually between July and October. Singapore’s National Environmental
Agency’s Haze provides public updates on conditions.
The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Singapore. Review OSAC’s
reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts
of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad
OSAC Country Council Information
The OSAC Singapore Country Council is active and robust, as Singapore is the regional hub for many U.S.-
based organizations with operations throughout Southeast Asia. Interested private-sector security
managers should contact OSAC’s Asia-Pacific team with any questions.
U.S. Embassy Contact Information
27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508
Hours: Mon-Fri, 0830-1200; Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, 1330-1500
Website: http://sg.usembassy.gov
Embassy Operator and after hour emergencies: + (65) 6476-9100
8Helpful Information
Before you travel, consider the following resources:
• OSAC Risk Matrix
• OSAC Travelers Toolkit
• State Department Traveler’s Checklist
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
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