Fear and Frustration: What Geylang and Bugis Residents Really Think About Rising Crime

The convenience store owner on Sims Avenue pulls down the metal grille at 10 p.m. sharp these days, a ritual she began three months ago after a late-night robbery at a neighbouring outlet. She is among dozens of residents and business operators in Geylang and Bugis voicing growing concerns about personal safety, even as official crime figures suggest the situation remains stable.

"People don't feel secure anymore," said one hair salon manager near Bugis Street, requesting anonymity. "We've installed better lighting and CCTV, but we still worry. My staff refuse evening shifts." Her sentiments echo across the precinct, where foot traffic has noticeably diminished after dark, according to informal observations by traders interviewed for this report.

The Singapore Police Force recorded 32,000 crime cases in 2025, a marginal increase of 1.2 per cent from the previous year. Yet perception often outpaces statistics. Community safety concerns have spiked following three high-profile theft incidents along Jalan Besar and two armed robbery attempts near the Golden Mile Complex between April and May.

Residents of nearby HDB blocks in Kallang have taken matters into their own hands. Grassroots organisations have organised additional neighbourhood watch patrols, with volunteers now conducting walks three evenings weekly. "The police do their best, but we need to help ourselves," said one volunteer coordinator, who noted that participation has grown from 15 to over 60 active members in six months.

At a community dialogue held at Bugis Community Club last month, attendees pressed for faster police response times and increased beat patrols during peak hours between 9 p.m. and midnight. Police representatives acknowledged the feedback but cautioned against complacency, noting that relative to other global cities, Singapore remains exceptionally safe.

Business improvement groups have also stepped in. The Geylang Serai area's merchants' association approved funding for upgraded street lighting at a cost of approximately $180,000, with installation expected by August. "We're investing in our own neighbourhoods because public safety is everyone's responsibility," an association spokesperson explained.

The consensus among residents is clear: they want visible police presence, faster emergency response, and community-led initiatives working in tandem with authorities. While official crime rates may not reflect widespread alarm, the lived experience of Geylang and Bugis residents—and their willingness to organise—suggests that perceptions of safety require urgent official attention.

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