A fruit stall owner in Bedok South recently went viral after successfully catching a persistent thief who repeatedly stole mangosteens from his shop at night.
On March 4, 2025, the shop owner noticed from security footage that an unidentified individual had sneaked into his closed stall past midnight and stolen mangosteens.
Though minor thefts were not uncommon, the repeated incidents frustrated the owner, prompting him to take action. Determined to catch the culprit, he decided to stay overnight at his stall.
The entire incident, captured on CCTV, prompted widespread discussion online, with many amused by the thief’s determination while applauding the owner’s efforts to stop him.
Caught in the Act
The very next night, on March 5, at around 2 a.m., the thief struck again, targeting the same fruit. This time, however, the owner was prepared.
As soon as the thief attempted to take the mangosteens, the stall owner confronted him and prevented his escape.
Wasting no time, he called the police and ensured the suspect remained at the scene until authorities arrived. CCTV footage provided undeniable evidence of the theft.
After the video surfaced online, it gained traction, with netizens reacting with a mix of amusement and disbelief.
Many were shocked at the suspect’s antic, surprised as to why he would do such a thing.
Others ridiculed the suspect, questioning why he would risk getting caught and fined for mangosteens: a relatively inexpensive fruit.
However, a few commentors expressed concern over the stall owner hanging the fruits in plain sight.
A Growing Concern for Small Businesses
While CCTV footage confirms at least two instances of theft, it remains unclear if the suspect had previously stolen from the stall. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the individual has been formally charged.
This incident highlights the challenges small business owners face in dealing with petty theft. Many stall owners operate with limited resources and cannot afford security measures, making them vulnerable to such crimes. Although stealing fruit may seem insignificant, repeated losses can add up, impacting business owners financially.
Theft in Singapore
In Singapore, theft is a punishable offense under the Penal Code. If convicted, the culprit could face fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the crime. As of now, police have not disclosed further details regarding the suspect’s status or any legal action taken.
For now, the bizarre case of the “mangosteen thief” continues to entertain Singaporeans online, blending the struggles of small business owners with the unexpected humor of certain criminal acts.
Watch the video here:
@lakopinews Thief Steals Mangosteens Twice, Gets Busted by Shop Owner sg sgnews lakopinews singapore
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