Singapore: Bangladeshi man disguised as Sikh to rob pawn-shop arrested
A Bangladeshi national disguised as a Sikh to rob a pawn shop in Singapore has been arrested, Singapore police said today. Sheikh Md Razan, 29, who was working as a construction worker previously and had overstayed in Singapore since last December, was arrested yesterday evening. A pawn shop is a shop or business common for exchanging jewelry for cash in Singapore. Here's more.
Razan entered the shop with a knife and plastic gun
Razan, wearing a pink turban, entered a "ValueMax" pawn shop outside Boon Lay Mass Rapid Transit station at about 4:30pm on July 28. He was armed with a knife and a replica of a gun, which later turned out to be made of plastic. On barging in the shop, he demanded that the shop's employee hand over to him all the cash and jewelry.
Employee rejects his threat, Razan throws fake 'explosive' device
When the employee refused, Razan allegedly said he would blow up the shop, claiming he had an explosive device. He then allegedly threw the object onto the counter and fled without taking any items. The workers immediately threw the object out of the shop and called the police. No one was injured in the incident. The object contained electrical components.
Accused does it in Hollywood style, uncovers disguise behind plants
After the failed robbery attempt, Razan allegedly went to an apartment block in the industrial district of Jurong West, within the vicinity of the train station, left his backpack, discarded his clothing and turban behind the potted plants outside a residence.
The overconfident criminal was shocked at his arrest
A few hours later, when a resident noticed the backpack, the police was alerted. The items, along with a chopper, were found in the backpack behind the plants. This gave a clearer picture of what Razan looked like, the police said. Deputy Commissioner of Police and Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Florence Chua, said the suspect was quite surprised when he was caught.
