To heighten vigilance and ensure the safety and security of shoppers, Marina Bay Neighbourhood Police Centre (MBNPC) has launched a retail security watch group to cover Singapore’s main shopping precincts.

Supported by the Singapore Retail Association, the new Central Division Retail Watch Group (RWG) comprises retailers from major shopping malls such as Bugis+, Bugis Junction, Marina Square, Raffles City and Suntec City. Membership is open to other retailers as well.

Guest of honour for the launch event, MP Rahayu Mahzam, spoke about recent terrorist attacks in the region. The RWG serves as a platform for the police and retailers to exchange information on strengthening vigilance and measures against potential terrorist attacks.

It also aims to establish partnership and collaboration between the police and retailers to deter, detect and prevent crime.

There are two key initiatives – a police newsletter will be issued to retailers with information on crime prevention and security practices, and team exercises will be run by the police and retail management to test the effectiveness of security features and staff vigilance of individual stores.