Molestation cases on the rise in Singapore as physical crimes increase 4.4% in 2025
SINGAPORE: Singapore recorded a rise in outrage of modesty – or molestation – cases last year, with overall physical crime cases also seeing an uptick.
There were 1,531 molestation cases in 2025, a 7.3 per cent increase from the 1,427 cases in 2024, according to annual statistics released by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Tuesday (Feb 24).
These accounted for about 7.3 per cent of the total physical crime cases last year.
The total number of physical crime cases went up by 4.4 per cent, with 20,857 cases reported in 2025, compared with 19,969 in 2024.
The police flagged outrage of modesty and theft in dwelling as the top crimes of concern in 2025, while shop theft and voyeurism case numbers showed improvement.
MORE MOLESTATION CASES
More than half of the molestation cases reported last year involved offenders who are known to the victims.
The top three locations where outrage of modesty offences were typically committed were residential premises (372 cases), on public transport (164 cases) and public entertainment outlets (115 cases).
There was, however, a decrease in the number of cases in shopping complexes - 103 in 2025, compared with 135 in 2024.
SPF said it continues to work closely with stakeholders to raise awareness of molestation cases. This includes working with public transport operators and other partners to improve police presence on public transport through joint patrols and dissemination of crime advisories.
"Members of the public are encouraged to be vigilant, especially in crowded areas. If they witness molestation or are aware of someone being a victim of molestation, they should report the matter to the police immediately," said the SPF.
"Such actions can deter the perpetrator and provide crucial witness testimony. If the perpetrator flees, bystanders should note their description and direction of travel."
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https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/police-physical-crimes-molestation-theft-shoplifting-voyeurism-5946751