What to Do If Your Watch Shop Gets Robbed Singapore 2026: Step-by-Step Police Guide

Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates globally, but jewellery shop robberies do happen. When they do, your response in the first hours determines everything that follows.

This guide walks you through every step from discovery to police report to claim notification. The process is straightforward if you know what to do. Most complications arise from evidence loss or missed timelines.

What this article covers:

• Immediate safety and scene preservation steps
• SPF police report process (online vs station, what to include)
• CCTV and evidence preservation checklist
• Notification timeline for coverage providers
• Documentation requirements for recovery
• Common mistakes that delay or derail claims

The First 10 Minutes: Safety and Preservation

Your instinct will be to assess what's missing. Resist it. The undisturbed scene is itself evidence.

Priority one is safety. If you arrive during an ongoing robbery or suspects are still present, do not enter. Call 999 immediately from a safe distance. Wait for SPF officers to clear the premises before entering.

If the robbery has occurred and the premises are empty:

Step	Action	Why It Matters
1	Do not touch anything	Fingerprints, DNA, trace evidence
2	Call 999 immediately	Official timestamp, faster response
3	Take photos from doorway	Document before contamination
4	Secure the CCTV/DVR	Prevent footage overwrite
5	Call your coverage provider	Start notification clock

Do not clean up or reorganise. Every displaced item, every broken display, every footprint is potential evidence. Investigators need to see the scene exactly as the perpetrators left it.

For mall-based shops, also notify building security immediately. They can assist with securing the area and may have additional CCTV footage from common areas.

SPF Police Report: What You Need to Know

Filing a police report is mandatory. It's the foundation of any investigation and recovery process.

Where to File

You have two options in Singapore:

Option 1: Online (e-Report) For non-emergency cases where the incident has already occurred and there's no immediate danger, you can file at www.police.gov.sg/e-services. This is suitable for break-ins discovered after the fact. Option 2: Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) For robberies with significant loss, in-person filing at your nearest NPC is recommended. The officers can begin investigation immediately and may dispatch forensic teams.

For major commercial robberies, CID (Criminal Investigation Department) may take over the case from the local NPC.

What to Bring to the NPC

Document	Purpose
ACRA business registration	Proves legitimate business
NRIC of person filing	Identity verification
Preliminary list of stolen items	Initial inventory
Photos of stolen items	Visual identification
Purchase invoices	Ownership and value proof
USB with CCTV footage	If already retrieved

Information Required for the Report

The investigating officer will need specific details. Prepare these in advance:

• Exact date and time of discovery
• Estimated time of robbery (from CCTV or alarm logs)
• Entry method (forced door, broken display, etc.)
• Description of stolen items with serial numbers
• Estimated total value in SGD
• Names and contact details of any witnesses
• CCTV status and footage availability
• Alarm system details and response

Request the police report number immediately. You'll need this for all subsequent notifications, insurance claims, and correspondence.

CCTV and Evidence Preservation

Your CCTV footage is typically the most critical evidence. But many systems overwrite footage every 7-14 days.

Immediate CCTV Steps

Action	Timeline
Physically secure the DVR/NVR	First hour
Download relevant footage to external drive	Same day
Make multiple backup copies	Same day
Note exact timestamps	Same day
Change system to preserve footage 30+ days	Same day

Download more than the robbery itself. Capture 24-48 hours prior. Investigators often find footage of suspects casing the premises earlier.

Other Evidence to Preserve

Beyond CCTV, document and preserve:

• Alarm system logs: Your monitoring centre can provide activation and response records
• Access control logs: Electronic systems record entry times
• POS/Till records: Last transaction timestamps establish timeline
• Any photos or videos: From staff mobile phones
• Witness accounts: Written statements from staff and neighbouring shopkeepers

Do not disturb the scene until SPF releases it. This typically happens within 24-48 hours after initial investigation.

Notification Timeline: Who to Contact and When

Speed matters. Most stock protection requires notification within 7 days, but faster is better.

Contact	Timeline	What to Provide
SPF (999)	Immediately	Location, situation
Coverage provider	Within 24 hours	Policy number, incident summary
Alarm monitoring centre	Within hours	Request response log
Building management	Within 24 hours	For mall premises
Your broker/insurer	Within 7 days	Police report number, inventory

Why 7 Days Matters

Standard stock protection requires written notice "within 7 days" of discovering a loss. This is a firm deadline. Missing it can complicate or jeopardise your claim.

"Within 7 days" means calendar days, not business days. A Saturday night robbery requires notification by the following Saturday.

What "Written Notice" Means

A phone call is not sufficient. Follow up with written notification via:

• Email to your provider's claims address
• WhatsApp message (screenshot the delivery confirmation)
• Formal letter if required

Include: date/time of incident, police report number, preliminary list of items, and estimated value. Detailed inventory can follow.

Documentation Checklist for Recovery

Comprehensive documentation is essential for claim success. Start gathering immediately.

Essential Documents

Document	Source
Police report copy	SPF/NPC
CCTV footage	Your system backup
Alarm response log	Monitoring centre
Detailed inventory of stolen items	Your records
Purchase invoices	Suppliers, your files
Photos of stolen items	Marketing materials, inventory system
Valuation certificates	For high-value pieces
Staff statements	Written accounts

Creating the Stolen Inventory

Your inventory should include for each item:

• Brand and model name
• Reference number
• Serial number (if recorded)
• Purchase date and cost price
• Estimated current market value
• Any distinguishing features
• Last known display location

Be accurate and honest. Inflating values or including items that weren't actually stolen will cause serious problems and could void your claim entirely.

Common Mistakes That Delay Recovery

These errors appear repeatedly in post-robbery situations:

1. Cleaning Up Before Police Arrive

The urge to restore order is natural but costly. Moving items, sweeping glass, or reorganising displays destroys forensic evidence.

2. Incomplete Stock Records

If you can't document ownership, proving something was stolen becomes difficult. Dealers without detailed inventory records typically recover far less than actual losses.

3. Delayed Notification

"We'll notify once we know everything" is a mistake. Notify immediately with preliminary information. Details can follow later.

4. CCTV Footage Overwritten

A 7-day recording loop means evidence vanishes while you're still processing shock. Secure footage within hours.

5. Verbal Notifications Only

You called your broker immediately, but did you follow up in writing? Without a paper trail, proving timely notification becomes difficult.

6. Underestimating Recovery Time

Investigations take time. Evidence held by police may not be released for months. Plan for a longer timeline than you expect.

Rebuilding After a Robbery

Once the immediate crisis stabilises, focus on prevention and recovery.

Security Review

Every robbery exposes vulnerabilities. Work with your alarm provider and security consultant to address:

• The entry point that was breached
• Alarm response time adequacy
• Safe rating and placement
• CCTV coverage gaps
• Staff procedure failures

Staff Support

Your team has experienced trauma. Consider:

• Time off if needed
• Clear communication about investigation status
• Updated security training
• Employee assistance resources

Customer Communication

Manage your reputation with clear communication:

• Brief, factual update to regular customers
• Reassurance about continued service
• Timeline for returning to normal operations

Avoid speculation about suspects or investigation details.

FAQ

How long does an SPF investigation typically take?

It depends on evidence quality and case complexity. Cases with clear CCTV footage may see progress within weeks. Complex cases can take months. Request regular updates from your investigating officer.

Can I continue operating while the investigation is ongoing?

Yes, once SPF releases the scene. This typically occurs within 24-48 hours after initial forensic work. Some areas may remain off-limits if investigation is incomplete.

What if my CCTV wasn't recording during the robbery?

This complicates investigation but doesn't make recovery impossible. Other evidence matters: alarm logs, witness statements, neighbouring shop CCTV, your inventory records. However, functioning CCTV is typically a coverage requirement, so review your obligations.

Do I need a lawyer after a robbery?

For filing the police report and initial claim process, typically no. But if your claim faces disputes, significant delays, or you're asked questions that seem directed at you personally, consult legal counsel.

What happens if stolen items are recovered?

SPF holds recovered items as evidence until investigation concludes or prosecution completes. This can take months to years. You'll be notified when items are available for collection. Claims paid for subsequently recovered items may require adjustment.

How do I prove ownership for items bought from private sellers?

Bank transfer records, chat conversations with sellers, photos showing items in your possession, and authentication documents help establish ownership. This is why maintaining purchase records for all acquisitions, not just AD purchases, matters.

Should I publicise the robbery on social media?

Generally, no. Avoid public discussion until the investigation concludes. You may inadvertently compromise the investigation or invite false tips. If you need to address rumours, keep statements minimal and factual.

What if I disagree with my claim settlement offer?

Request written explanation of the valuation methodology. If you believe it's incorrect, provide supporting evidence (comparable sales, recent valuations). Escalate through your broker, the provider's dispute process, or approach FIDReC (Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre) if needed.

MINT Conclusion

Robberies are rare in Singapore, but preparation ensures you recover effectively when they occur.

The dealers who recover fully are those with comprehensive inventory records, functioning security systems, and knowledge of proper procedures.

MINT provides specialised stock protection designed for Singapore watch dealers and jewellers, with coverage that understands the unique challenges of high-value retail.

Speak with MINT about dealer coverage