More rape, molestation cases in first half of 2026 in Singapore, even as total physical crimes drop

Singapore recorded 10,287 physical crime cases in the first six months of 2026, marking a slight decline from the 10,325 cases reported during the same timeframe in 2025, according to police data released on August 24. Despite the overall downward trend in physical offences, specific categories of crime—particularly sexual assault and other top crimes of concern such as shop theft and theft in dwelling—saw increases.

Sexual Assault and Crime Trends in the First Half of 2026

Outrage of modesty cases rose to 762 in the first half of 2026, up from 739 during the corresponding period in 2025. Rape cases showed an upward trajectory as well, climbing to 261 in the first half of 2026 from 230 in the first half of 2025. Authorities noted that most of the molestation cases in the first half of 2026 happened in residential premises, on the public transport network and at public entertainment outlets.

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) Leon Chan, the director of SPF’s Operations Department, said: Singapore's overall physical crime situation remained stable in the first half of 2026, and Singapore continues to be one of the safest places in the world. SAC Chan added: “While there were some areas of concern, such as outrage of modesty, shop theft and theft in dwelling, we are encouraged by the reduction in outrage of modesty cases involving offenders unknown to victims within the public transportation network.”

Retail Crime and Police Measures

The police stated that they are working with retailers and retail associations to strengthen outlet-level crime prevention measures, especially at premises with higher reported shop theft cases. Retailers are encouraged to review store layouts, strengthen staff vigilance, adopt appropriate detection technologies and participate in SPF’s Shop Theft Awareness for Retailers Programme. Furthermore, the police stated they will continue to work with the Ministry of Education to educate students on crimes, including shop theft, through school talks, joint school advisories and other initiatives.

Public Intervention and Community Safety Awards

On an empty bus with many vacant seats, an elderly man chose to sit next to a young woman. He touched her thigh repeatedly, molesting her as she sat there frozen. Ow Cheow Yam, 55, an assistant operations manager, witnessed this on June 27 and approached the distressed victim, showing her a message on his phone asking if she knew the man. She shook her head, and Ow asked her to sit somewhere else while he confronted the culprit, who initially denied any wrongdoing and tried to leave the bus. But Ow stopped him, the police were called and they arrested him.

Ow, who was commended with a SaferSG Public Spiritedness Award on Aug 17, said his sense of justice made him step forward. He said: It happened right in front of me, and I felt very angry. Many times, victims suffer in silence. I hope my actions encourage others to step up, to step forward to help. Community safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Another recent recipient of the award was Vickneswary Krishnan, 51, a security supervisor at Tekka Place. On Aug 10, 2025, she saw a woman confronting a drunk man who had touched her thigh on an escalator. The man kept claiming he was innocent, to the point where the victim started to doubt herself. Despite the victim saying she was unsure if she should make a police report, Vickneswary took down the particulars of both parties. She reviewed the security footage and saw the man had already been following the woman up several floors before molesting her.

Businesses, community partners and members of the public all have a role to play in preventing, deterring and detecting crime. SPF will continue to work closely with our stakeholders and the community to keep Singapore safe and secure. SAC