Thief Steals Mangosteens Twice, Gets Busted by Shop Owner

A fruit stall owner in Bedok South recently went viral for catching a persistent thief who had been stealing mangosteens from his shop during the night. The incident, recorded on CCTV, sparked widespread discussion online, with many praising the owner's determination while ridiculing the thief’s repeated actions.

On March 4, 2025, the stall owner discovered through security footage that an unknown individual had entered his closed shop after midnight and stolen mangosteens. While thefts like these are not uncommon, the owner was frustrated enough to take matters into his own hands. Determined to put an end to the recurring crime, he decided to stay overnight at his stall.

The following night, on March 5, at around 2 a.m., the thief returned once again to steal the same fruit. This time, however, the owner was lying in wait. As soon as the culprit attempted to take the mangosteens, the stall owner confronted him and prevented him from escaping. He immediately contacted the police, ensuring that the suspect remained at the scene until authorities arrived. The CCTV captured the entire incident, providing clear evidence of the theft.

After the video was shared online, netizens reacted with amusement and disbelief. Many commended the stall owner’s dedication and patience in catching the thief, especially for staying up in the middle of the night to do so. Others ridiculed the thief, questioning why he would risk getting caught for a relatively inexpensive fruit. Some commenters speculated whether this had been an ongoing issue, given that the owner was motivated enough to set up a trap.

While the CCTV recordings provide evidence of at least two instances of theft, it remains unclear whether the suspect had stolen from the stall on previous occasions. Additionally, as of now, there has been no official confirmation on whether the individual has been charged with theft.

This incident sheds light on the struggles that small business owners face when dealing with petty theft. Many stall owners lack the resources to hire security or implement advanced anti-theft measures, making them vulnerable to such incidents. While some may dismiss the theft of fruit as minor, repeated losses can accumulate over time, affecting business owners financially.

In Singapore, theft is a serious offense under the Penal Code. If charged and convicted, the culprit could face fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the crime. The police have not yet released any details regarding the suspect’s status or whether further action will be taken.

For now, this bizarre case of the “mangosteen thief” continues to entertain and amuse Singaporeans online, highlighting both the challenges of small business ownership and the unexpected humor in certain criminal acts.

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