From leaving bicycles unlocked and unattended, to our HDB flats not having security checkpoints — the general consensus of those who have visited, or live here is that Singapore is very, very safe. So safe that we hardly ever worry about theft.
A Xiaohongshu user was recently at a McDonald’s when they noticed a phone completely unattended on a tray. The owner of the phone had probably left momentarily to use the restroom, or completely forgot about their phone when leaving.
Sharing their observation, the OP wrote: “This is Singapore. The [owner of the phone] is nowhere in sight, but their phone is still here.” She also included the hashtag “the caliber of Singaporeans”.
Many netizens were of the same thought, with some sharing cases in which they’ve encountered similar situations.
“I see a lot of people using their bags and wallets to chope seats as well,” wrote a netizen.
They were quickly told that such a sight is “not uncommon at all”, with a number sharing that they, too, have the same habit of using their belongings to reserve places.
Some also explained that in most cases, even if an individual does leave their belongings behind, they’ll have a high chance of retrieving it once they realise it’s missing. Case in point: This woman who managed to retrieve her handbag from the MRT cabin even after it ‘rode’ seven stops without her.
“Singapore has CCTVs all around, who dares to steal?” commented one netizen.
Another added: “Things generally don’t get stolen here. You can leave a packet of tissue behind, and still be able to find it when you return for it.”
However, a number have also shared experiences where they had their “small belongings” taken after leaving them behind, with one netizen remarking: “Low crime doesn’t mean no crime. Please don’t leave belongings unattended.”
It brings about the question — have we gotten too complacent when it comes to watching our belongings in public? Do we take it for granted that our lost items can always be found?
Photos: 溜溜球/ Xiaohongshu