Politics · Singapore Bureau
Man accused of using magnet to steal Pokémon tin from claw machine
Police are investigating an incident in which a man allegedly used a magnet to illicitly retrieve a S$40 Pokémon collectible tin from a claw machine at a Bencoolen location in Singapore.
LSN Singapore ·
A man is being investigated by police over allegations that he used a magnet to steal a Pokémon-themed tin worth S$40 from a claw machine in the Bencoolen area. The incident highlights an ongoing challenge faced by arcade operators and retailers who operate coin-operated game machines in public spaces.
Claw machines, which require players to use a joystick-controlled mechanical arm to capture prizes, have become increasingly popular in shopping districts across Singapore. The devices typically feature high-value collectibles and merchandise that attract players willing to spend money attempting to win items.
The use of external devices or magnets to manipulate claw machines is considered theft and constitutes a criminal offense under Singapore law. Police encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious activity involving gaming machines or arcade equipment.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Singapore Police Force through their non-emergency hotline or via the online reporting system on the police website.