Now that set my memory abuzz. I [...]]]>

Yesterday morning, I read a newspaper report about two teenagers being bullied into giving up their handphones. According to the report, some older boys who were complete strangers accused them of staring and took them to an HDB block where the two were relieved of their wallets and phones.

Now that set my memory abuzz. I recall sometime in the mid 1980′s, one of my friends studying at the Bras Basah Complex in North Bridge Road was accosted in the same complex by two men who accused him and a classmate of staring at them. These men wanted him and his friend to follow them so as to settle the matter.

My friend wanted to clear the air about the purported staring incident and so followed the two men. But by doing so, he fell into the twosome’s trap for this was just a ploy to get the two of them to follow the men to a secluded spot in one of the HDB blocks next to the complex, where they were robbed of their belongings.

To this very day, I can’t seem to believe that my friend, who was a street-wise kid then, could be so gullible. But, that this ruse continues to ensnare even street-wise teenagers speaks volumes for its effectiveness then in the 1980′s, as well as now.

I am sure this ploy will work just as effectively years from now, as I think any teenager worth his salt will surely not want to be accused falsely of staring at others.

I daresay even if we relate such cases to teenagers we know, hoping that they will not fall victims, these chaps will still be gullible enough to fall into such traps. So just what should we do then? 

I am afraid there’s very little we can do, except hope for the best. Perhaps, one day, people will stop staring at others and this excuse will no longer work then – but it’s wishful thinking on my part.

As the economy struggles to get back to its feet, criminals are likely to continue targetting the elderly, for they appear to [...]]]>

In the first nine months of last year – 2002 – robbery cases involving elderly victims increased by 16 per cent, from 61 to 71 cases, compared to the same period in 2001.

As the economy struggles to get back to its feet, criminals are likely to continue targetting the elderly, for they appear to be easier prey than, say younger adults. The reason for this is clear – the elderly are not as mobile or as agile as those younger. Therefore, they can’t put up much of a defence when accosted by criminals lurking in the vicinity, looking for easy prey.

There have been news reports on such crimes. In fact, one or two victims have appeared on television during the evening news recently. 

Just two days ago, on Saturday, I was a witness to what would have been another robbery case involving an elderly victim. I had just bought breakfast and was about to turn into the stairs in the void deck of my block of flats in Hougang when I noticed a man dismounting from his bicycle and approaching an old woman who was sitting alone in her wheelchair next to the staircase.

The man, who apparently had thought the coast was clear, was taken aback when I appeared out of nowhere. He stopped in front of his parked bicycle. When I laid eyes on him, I was just next to the old woman and about to make my way up the stairs so I didn’t make much of the chance meeting. However, as I climbed the stairs, my sixth sense was aroused. So were my suspicions! I paused on the staircase landing.

I tried to look downwards into the staircase entrance and could make out the man was standing next to the old lady. He was obviously doing something but I just couldn’t see the two of them from where I was. I heard the woman shouting loudly a name which I learnt later was the maid’s name.

One half of me was telling me to stay put and not poke my nose into other’s affairs and the other was exhorting me to go to the old lady’s assistance. I admit I am not brave but the thought of a harmless old lady being abused somehow rang alarm bells in me and I found myself rushing down the stairs.
 
The man, on seeing me, rushed to his bicycle. When I took out my handphone and started punching some numbers, he got onto his bicycle and fled. I looked around. The old lady was unharmed, although she was quite frightened. Fortunately, nothing was taken from her – she was wearing a thick gold bracelet on one wrist and some rings.

It was 10 am at the time and I had just got through to 999. I told the officer on the line the whole happening and gave a brief description of the man, together with the direction he had fled towards. At about 10.45 am, an officer rang me to tell me a suspect fitting the description I had given had been found.
 
The police’s speed in attending to the case simply amazed me! I am glad the policemen charged with protecting the neighbourhood were very effective in carrying out their duties.

I was also glad that I had somehow found the courage to knock myself out of nonchalance to help the old lady. We never know how we would come out of a situation like this until it happens to us. I am no hero, really, just someone who has discovered that he can conquer the weaker half of himself if the need arises.

The old lady was lucky this time round. I figure she will not let her maid leave her alone again in the void deck. It pays to be vigilant. Just keep an alert eye when moving around in the neighbourhood. Report suspicious characters to the police. Be on the lookout, especially for suspicious-looking people on bicycles. I have since learnt that these criminal elements tend to prefer using bicycles. The reason is clear – someone running away will attract lots of attention, but someone fleeing on bicycle won’t attract much attention. 

Take last week’s report in a local newspaper of CJ YONG’s case involving a man who was [...]]]>

I have always loved to read Chief Justice YONG Pung How’s cases reported in the local papers. Why? Simply because the CJ has a way with words. In fact, he shows his wit and humour in his court proceedings.

Take last week’s report in a local newspaper of CJ YONG’s case involving a man who was found with a parang and two knives while in a car in Compassvale Road in Sengkang last Sept 14.

In that case, the district judge who heard the man’s case sentenced the offender to 10 months in jail and eight strokes of the cane. The case went to CJ YONG because the prosecution had appealed.

CJ YONG asked the man what he was doing in the car. The man claimed he was visiting a friend. The CJ went on to ask the man if he usually visited his friends at 4am in the morning!

Then the man claimed that he was in a hurry to a friend’s house to talk the friend out of committing suicide. When asked for the friend’s address, the man said he couldn’t remember.

I have two reasons for bringing out this case. The first is to show the common-sense approach used by the CJ in meting out justice in the court. The second is to warn all of you out there that there are criminal elements lurking outside looking for prey. And these chaps are armed with knives. During this festive season, please be alert and take care of your belongings. Do not stray into deserted areas and keep an eye out for suspicious persons – especially those who give you a smile. You never know what may happen next. Be alert; be safe rather than sorry.