The Police are aware of social media posts circulating online showing the removal of government property by persons, as part of the ‘devious licks’ social media challenge originally urging students to vandalise or steal school property and post their results on social media.
Two incidents believed to be related to the social media challenge, involving government property, were reported to the police, and the persons involved have since been identified. Preliminary investigations revealed the following:
- For the first incident, on 19 September 2021 at about 5.16pm, the police received a report showing an image of a male teenager holding onto a signage of Kaki Bukit MRT station belonging to the Land Transport Authority. The said image was posted on various social media platforms. Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from Police cameras, the identity of the 15-year-old male teenager was established and the signage was recovered from his home. The signage was originally mounted onto the frame of the sheltered walkway leading to the said MRT station.
- For the second incident, on 19 September 2021 at about 9.40pm, the police received a report showing a video of a male teenager holding onto a signage belonging to the National Environment Agency. The said video was posted on TikTok. Through follow-up investigations, the identity of the 14-year-old male teenager was established. He had allegedly removed the signage, which was originally affixed into the ground along Jalan Songket, for his video and returned it to its original position after filming.
Police investigations are ongoing. The Police would like to remind the public that such acts involving the removal of government property without the written authority of an authorised officer or representative of the Government constitute an offence of vandalism punishable under Section 3 of the Vandalism Act. Those found guilty of the offence may be liable for an imprisonment term of up to three years, a fine up to $2,000, and caning of not less than three strokes and not more than eight strokes.
Members of the public are reminded to abide by our laws, and not to participate in acts or viral online trends that constitute a criminal offence. Those who break the law will be dealt with firmly.
Source: Singapore Police Force