Two Chinese nationals jailed for housebreaking in Bukit Timah estate

Two Chinese nationals were sentenced on 24 June 2025 to 15 months’ imprisonment each for a housebreaking case in Greenleaf View, part of Bukit Timah’s landed property zone.

Feng Yunlong, 38, and Zhang Yongxiang, 52, pleaded guilty to one charge of housebreaking with theft. Another similar charge was taken into consideration during sentencing.

The offence took place on 16 December 2024, three days after their arrival in Singapore on social visit passes.

According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Teng Yin Hang, the men loitered around Greenleaf View at about 8.50pm, deliberately seeking homes to break into. They targeted a three-storey semi-detached house with no lights on, suggesting it was unoccupied.

Zhang entered the premises via a neighbouring construction site, where he stole gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints. Using a makeshift staircase and a parapet, he climbed into the home through an unlocked sliding window.

Inside, he searched with a torchlight and stole two watches: a Cartier Roadster valued at S$8,800 and a Casio Edifice worth S$150. Feng acted as lookout. Both men later returned to their hotel.

The homeowners, away at the time, discovered the crime and lodged a police report on 18 December 2024. That same day, Feng and Zhang broke into another home at Zehnder Road in Buona Vista, taking valuables worth more than S$7,000.

The duo were swiftly identified through security camera footage and arrested later that day.

The prosecution sought 14 to 16 months’ jail, citing planning, the night-time nature of the offence, and the psychological impact on victims as aggravating factors.

Feng and Zhang, unrepresented in court, requested leniency through a Mandarin interpreter. Feng cited his duty to care for his elderly mother, while Zhang said his mother and child had no support.

District Judge Christopher Goh questioned why they travelled to Singapore despite their family obligations. Feng offered no direct explanation, while Zhang admitted, “I was greedy and I was wrong,” adding that he had come to Singapore seeking employment.

Both men could have faced up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine for housebreaking and theft under the Penal Code.

This case comes amid a series of break-ins targeting landed properties. Between June and August 2024, at least 10 incidents were reported in Bukit Timah Road and Rail Corridor areas, with stolen goods totalling about S$3.85 million. Authorities believe some cases are linked to foreign syndicates.

Police have advised homeowners in private estates to enhance security and install surveillance systems as deterrents.