Reasons for Rise in Youths Investigated for Shop Theft

Mr Jackson Lam asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what accounts for the 28.8% rise in youths investigated for shop theft in the first half of 2026; (b) whether diversionary or restorative justice approaches are used before formal charges; and (c) what is being done together with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Education to address underlying emotional and family instability factors.

Mr K Shanmugam: The rise in youths investigated for shop theft in the first half of 2026 could be contributed by a range of different factors, including improved detection methods.

Where appropriate, the Police refer youth offenders who commit minor offences to social service agencies (SSAs) appointed by the Ministry of Social and Family Development. The SSAs will assess the youths' risks and needs and place them on diversionary programmes, such as the Guidance Programme (GP), where suitable. The GP involves the youths' families and schools in the youth's rehabilitation and supports them to build prosocial relationships. Youths emplaced on the GP receive a conditional warning in lieu of court prosecution.

The Police also work closely with the Ministry of Education to educate students on the consequences of committing various crimes, such as shop theft, through talks in schools, joint advisories to parents and e-learning modules for students.