In a twist that very few saw coming, face masks have become a coveted commodity in 2020.
Since going out in public bare-faced is becoming illegal in more and more countries during the Covid-19 pandemic, people are stocking up on and hoarding obscene amounts of face masks.
This has fuelled fears of a shortage, which, ironically, has led to more panic buying of masks.
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To combat this problem, the Singapore gahmen decided to distribute several free reusable face masks to residents, so they wouldn’t have to worry about potentially running out.
In response, a nice, grateful society would simply accept the face masks with open arms, say thanks, and move on with their lives.
But we have people stealing their fellow residents’ free masks instead.
3 More People Arrested for Taking Free Masks Illegally After People Reported That They Can’t Redeem
Three people suspected of illegally redeeming face masks from the vending machines put up by Temasek Foundation have been arrested, the police said on Wednesday (16 Dec).
Their offences came to light after some residents lodged police reports between 30 Nov and 5 Dec claiming they were unable to collect their Government-issued reusable face masks.
Investigations revealed that the face masks had already been redeemed.
Three offenders were soon identified.
The first case involved a 38-year-old man who allegedly used personal information that was illegally obtained to redeem over 40 reusable face masks from a vending machine located along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10.
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He was arrested on Monday (14 Dec).
For the same offence, a 41-year-old woman was arrested after she redeemed more than 60 reusable face masks without authorisation from a vending machine at Clementi Community Centre.
She was arrested on Tuesday (15 Dec).
The last offender, a 52-year-old man, was also arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly used illegally obtained personal information to redeem over 60 reusable face masks at a vending machine along Bedok Reservoir Road.
The police believe these cases are unrelated.
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You might be shocked to learn that one person could steal so many masks, but none of these offenders could hold a candle to a 47-year-old woman who took mask stealing to a whole new level.
Allegedly Redeemed 460 Reusable Masks with Stolen Information
Yes, you read that right.
According to The Straits Times, a 47-year-old woman was accused of illegally obtaining personal information to redeem over 460 reusable face masks from a vending machine at Yio Chu Kang Community Centre.
In a statement on 11 Dec, the police confirmed the woman and 10 other offenders were arrested.
Among them are seven teenagers and a 12-year-old boy.
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The police said it has received similar reports in other residential estates, and are ramping up efforts to identify and apprehend these perpetrators.
If convicted of cheating, these offenders could face up to 10 years’ jail, a fine, or both.
Retaining illegally obtained personal information carries a jail term of up to three years, a maximum fine of $10,000, or both.
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