Rising Cases of Armed Robbery in the Singapore Strait Zone

The crime wave in the area around the Singapore Strait in 2025 continues to be a cause for concern, with a rise in petty crime and robberies. Perpetrators are becoming more brazen, with reports indicating an increase in the use of guns and knives compared to previous years. Recent incidents have seen seafarers injured and tied up, prompting security consultant Ambrey to advise crews not to confront the perpetrators directly.

The most recent incident occurred aboard a tanker flagged in Panama, where the crew spotted seven boarders carrying guns near the Phillip Channel. This area has become a hotspot for criminal activity this year, with ReCAAP reporting a total of 26 incidents in Southeast Asia since the beginning of the year, most of which occurred in the Strait of Malacca or Singapore Strait region. The organization has called for increased patrols and faster response times to address the issue.

Ambrey recommends crews secure their vessels by locking down access to accommodation blocks and stores to prevent theft. Most incidents involve boarders stealing stores or tools from engine rooms, with few involving direct confrontations with the crew. Ambrey also suggests conducting partnered deck patrols to enhance safety, as boarders tend to quickly grab items and flee the ships when discovered. The incidents often occur in clusters, indicating that groups target multiple ships in a short period of time.

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