Thirteen teenagers are being investigated after a joint Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) operation targeting errant cyclists in Bukit Panjang.
A 13-year-old boy was arrested for public nuisance and is also being investigated for allegedly making abusive communication towards a public servant, SPF said in a statement on Friday (18 September).
The operation was conducted near 17 Petir Road on 9 September after members of the public reported that teenage cyclists were causing nuisance in the area at night.
27 Teenagers Checked During Operation
During the operation, officers conducted checks on 27 teenagers aged between 12 and 19.
Of these, 13 teenagers are being investigated for offences under various laws, including the Protection from Harassment Act, the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, the Gambling Control Act, the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act, and the Active Mobility Act.
SPF said investigations found that several of the teenage cyclists had also made nuisance calls to the Police Emergency line and used abusive words against police officers who responded to the calls.
LTA officers seized seven non-compliant bicycles during the operation and engaged the teenagers on cycling rules and guidelines.
Other Teenagers Investigated
Apart from the 13-year-old arrested for public nuisance, three boys aged 12, 13 and 14 are being investigated for allegedly communicating false messages.
The two older boys among this group are also being investigated for allegedly riding bicycles without working handbrakes on a public path. Five other male teenagers aged between 14 and 19 are also being investigated for the same cycling offence.
An 18-year-old male teenager is being investigated for allegedly gambling with an unlicensed gambling service provider or at an unlawful gambling place.
A female teenager and two male teenagers aged between 16 and 19 were also caught for possession of vaporisers.
Authorities Warn Against Nuisance Calls
SPF said authorities take a serious view of conduct that affects public safety and order, including making nuisance calls to the Police Emergency line and using abusive words towards public servants carrying out their duties.
The police reminded members of the public that nuisance calls can waste police resources and affect responses to genuine emergencies. SPF and LTA said they will continue carrying out enforcement operations against errant behaviour.
