Molestation on public transport increasing

An increasing number of outrage of modesty cases has been reported on public transport here, reported The Straits Times. In the first quarter this year, 42 molestation cases were reported, up from 29 for the same period last year, police figures show. This follows a rise in reported cases from 114 in 2011 to 154 in 2012 and 156 last year.

A police spokesman said the Public Transport Security Command is conducting regular patrols at the train networks and bus interchanges, as part of 'ongoing efforts' to combat crime.

"The police also encourage victims not to remain silent and to expose culprits at the earliest opportunity possible, to ensure that the culprit is caught and to save others from being victimised," the spokesman added.

Outrage of modesty against people above 18 years of age carries a maximum penalty of a two-year jail term and a fine and caning. The maximum jail term rises to five years if the victim is below 18.