7 Reasons Why Singapore's Crime Rate is so Low
Talk about Singapore and their crime rate will almost always be mentioned.
Unlike other countries, including those nearby, the crime rate in Singapore is so low that
the country is considered one of the safest in the world.
In fact, it is so safe that if people leave their stuff in the middle of a busy shop or
restaurant, they will likely still find it exactly where they left it.
People are so complacent about their safety that it is not an issue for both locals and
foreigners alike to walk down an empty street during odd hours at night.
Being mugged or harmed is the least of their worries.
Of course, no country has a zero crime rate and Singapore is no exception.
However, what is undeniable is that it is extremely low.
We will explore some of the reasons why this may be.
Number one: Full enforcement of their laws deters people from committing crimes.
Locals and foreigners alike tread carefully in Singapore and avoid committing crimes as
they know they will be easily discovered once they do so.
Unlike in other countries where you can get away from petty crimes by being apologetic
or slipping some bills on the greasy hands of officers, doing so is no dice in Singapore.
No one is definitely above the law here.
Number two: Self-discipline is key.
Singaporeans are definitely more aware of their actions and they make sure that what
they do is legal.
They know that doing the wrong things, even what they consider small things, will likely
result in being fined, ending up in jail, or worse.
Since young, discipline has been heavily ingrained in them so it comes naturally for Singaporeans
to be law-abiding citizens.
Corporal punishment is even seen as an acceptable way to instill discipline.
That’s why caning is so commonplace, and even children are caned because they know
it will teach them why being disciplined is very important.
Discipline is vital and as natural as breathing for them.
Number three: Visibility of cameras and law enforcement officers makes people more conscious
of their actions.
Like any other country, CCTV cameras are installed all over Singapore.
However, these cameras are only aids for law enforcement.
That’s why in most countries, solving crimes takes time because law enforcement is minimal.
Singapore is different; the abundance of CCTV cameras in nearly every corner, plus the full
enforcement of the laws and reliable enforcement officers makes it easy for criminals to be
caught in the fastest possible time.
The people know that there is nowhere for them to hide should they choose to commit
a crime so they follow the laws.
They know that someone is always watching them closely.
Number four: Harsh penalties and prison sentences plays a big factor.
The consequences of committing crimes and strictness of their laws has made Singapore
infamous worldwide.
Where else can you find a country where bringing chewing gum will merit a fine of around a
thousand dollars, even as a first time offender?
Littering will cost the offender hundreds of dollars, jaywalking can land a person a
prison sentence, and vandalism a severe caning.
Worse crimes, like bringing in and consuming drugs (even before arriving in the country),
can result in a death sentence.
Number five: Citizens take it upon themselves to report crimes and track down criminals.
Most people tend to turn a blind eye when crime is happening, out of fear that the criminal
will get back at them.
Not so in Singapore.
Singaporeans take it upon themselves to report crimes or sightings of wanted criminals because
they know that the officers will immediately respond to their feedback.
Neighborhood watches are prevalent all over the country.
They don’t fear restitution from these criminals because they have full faith in their country’s
robust legal system.
Number six: Most people are well-paid.
It has been proven that poverty is the major reason why people find themselves in conflict
with the law.
Since businesses in Singapore pay their employees well, this deters them from committing crimes.
They have no need to resort to doing illegal things because their earnings are more than
enough to get by.
There’s hardly any reason for them, money-wise, to commit crimes.
Number seven: The people are educated from a young age to follow and respect the law.
As mentioned, discipline plays a large part in a Singaporean’s life, even when young.
It is common for children to be taught about the laws, basic etiquette, and consequences
of committing crimes.
It is also widespread to practice corporal punishment at home and even in schools to
sure make children know that there is a consequence if they do something bad.
Learning these things at a young age will ensure they carry these lessons all their
lives.
To sum up, the crime rate in Singapore is low because of the combination of these factors:
effective and strict enforcement of laws, and cooperation of the people.
Looking at it, any country can be as safe as Singapore as long as everyone willingly
cooperates.
While the deterrent for committing crimes is mainly fear-based, it cannot be denied
that it is effective.
This is why even foreigners who are travelling for a short visit are also willing to cooperate;
they know that in Singapore, every wrong move will be dealt with swiftly and accordingly.