Home Section Page 1 Hawkers fall prey to brazen break-ins.
1a) Why is it easy for burglers to break into stalls at the two markets in the Kallang area? The ceilings are open and this enables the burglars to easily get in. They could also climb up the pipes or metal bar running along the walls. In both markets, none of the stalls had their roller shutters and locks tampered with.
b) What is the Geylang East Central Merchants' Association going to do about the break-ins?
The Geylang East Central Merchants' Association, which oversees the Aljunied Ave 2 hawker centre, held a meeting a week after the July 8 burglary. Chairman Tan Seng Peng said they will be in touch with the relevant authorities, such as the NEA and the town councils, to look into improving security, possibly by modifying stall layout and design. The NEA responded that the stall-holders who want to equip their stalls with additional security features like grilles could apply to do so. They also wanted to make a drawing and measurements of the feature that they plan to install. But the stall owner have to pay administrative fees of $16 and a reinstatement deposit before any work is being done.
2. What do you think should be done to tighten the security of the markets? What do you think of the burglars who brazenly break into the stalls? I think that they should install CCTV so they are able to monitor the stalls closely. I think they should tighten the security by installing heavy padlocks and chains and also ensure that these resources are put to good use. Besides that, they could employ security guards to patrol the area once or twice a week.