Burglar in $500k housebreaking case jumps bail; arrest warrant issued
Long Zhihua, who was a member of a housebreaking syndicate, allegedly stole more than $500,000 worth of jewellery. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
SINGAPORE - A foreign national, who was a member of a housebreaking syndicate, has jumped bail after he was charged over a burglary case where he allegedly stole more than $500,000 worth of jewellery.
Long Zhihua, 39, first failed to turn up for a court session on April 25. It was adjourned so his lawyer and the investigating officer could contact him.
He failed to turn up for another session on May 23, which led to his bail being revoked and the issuance of a warrant of arrest.
Police earlier revealed that foreign syndicates had been targeting landed properties in Singapore.
Following a spate of cases in June 2024, police heightened their presence and enhanced security measures at private residential estates.
Long, who faces a charge each of housebreaking and possession of stolen property, allegedly broke into a Windsor Park Road house on June 21, 2024, together with co-accused Luo Changchang, 44.
According to court documents, the Chinese nationals climbed over a wall to enter the house. They made off with more than $570,000 worth of jewellery.
The police trawled through security camera footage to identify the suspects. Long and Luo were arrested on June 26, 2024.
A number of stolen items were allegedly found in their hotel room in Geylang .
The duo were charged two days later on June 28, 2024.
A review on Long's warrant will be heard in court on July 4.
Luo has remained in remand since he was charged. His case will be heard again on July 25.
Those convicted of housebreaking can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.
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