Chinese nationals allegedly stole up to S$400 before leaving Singapore on the same day.
A four-month investigation into a temple break-in in Singapore ended when two suspects returned to the country, allowing police to arrest them over the alleged theft of cash from donation boxes in Balestier.
Two Men Arrested Upon Returning
Two Chinese nationals, aged 43 and 50, were arrested on August 16, 2026, when they returned to Singapore. Police had identified them as suspects in a housebreaking and theft case that occurred about four months earlier at a temple along Tai Gin Road in Balestier.
Up to S$400 Allegedly Stolen
Police were alerted at about 12:30 a.m. on April 2 after the temple was allegedly broken into and between S$300 and S$400 was taken from donation boxes. Using the specified conversion rate of 1 IDR = 0.000080 SGD, the amount was equivalent to about Rp3.75 million to Rp5 million.
Card and Adhesive Tape Allegedly Used
Preliminary investigations indicated that the pair allegedly entered the temple and used a card fitted with adhesive tape to retrieve cash from the donation boxes. Police said the stolen money was subsequently used by the suspects.
CCTV Helped Police Identify Suspects
Officers from the Tanglin Police Division established the men’s identities through follow-up investigations and surveillance footage. However, both suspects had allegedly left Singapore on the same day as the incident, delaying their arrests until they returned months later.
Pair Face Housebreaking Charges
The two men were set to be charged on August 18 with housebreaking and theft with common intention. If convicted, offenders can face up to 10 years in prison and a fine. The allegations remain subject to determination through Singapore’s judicial process.
The arrests demonstrate how surveillance footage and continued investigation can help authorities pursue suspects even after they leave Singapore. For Singaporeans and Indonesians, particularly communities managing religious and charitable facilities, the case also highlights the importance of securing donation collections and maintaining effective surveillance systems.
Sources: Asia One (2026) , Mothership (2026)
Keywords: Balestier Temple Theft, Singapore Temple Break-In, Donation Box Theft, Tai Gin Road, Singapore Police, Housebreaking
