SG Singapore Driver
Knowledge base Road rules 3 min read

Preventing motor vehicle theft and reporting a theft in Singapore

SPF vehicle-security guidance for cars and motorcycles, plus its current channel for reporting a theft and the limits of a separate lost-property details service.

vehicle-theft vehicle-security car motorcycle

Primary source: https://www.police.gov.sg/Advisories/Theft-And-Property-Crime/Motor-Vehicle-Theft

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) advises motorists to park in well-lit areas, secure all vehicle windows and doors, and remove the ignition key even when leaving the vehicle briefly. SPF also recommends engraving the vehicle registration number on the windscreen, and installing an anti-theft alarm, an in-vehicle camera, and a vehicle immobiliser (SPF, Motor Vehicle Theft).

Additional locks listed by SPF

For cars, vans and lorries, SPF lists steering-wheel, clutch, brake and gear locks. For motorcycles, it lists front-wheel safety locks, cable locks, disc and sprocket locks, and shackle locks (SPF, Motor Vehicle Theft).

Other current vehicle-security guidance

SPF's 2026 Basic Theory of Driving handbook advises motorcyclists to remove the ignition key and use the handle lock even when leaving briefly; it also lists motorcycle covers secured at both ends, alarms or immobilisers, security markings on major parts, and removing the cashcard from the in-vehicle unit. For cars, it advises removing the ignition key, closing the windows and locking the doors, keeping valuables out of sight or in the boot, considering an alarm or immobiliser, and using an additional lock. It also recommends keeping serial-number records for valuable items kept in the vehicle (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook, Part C: Security Measures to Prevent Theft of/from Motor Vehicles).

In a 7 August 2026 release, SPF additionally advised owners not to leave a key or transponder unattended, to remove cashcards, keys and valuables such as laptops and mobile phones before leaving, and to close the windows and lock the doors even for a short stop (SPF, Duo Arrested for Their Suspected Involvement in Theft of Motor Vehicle).

Reporting a vehicle theft

SPF says its Lodge Police Report e-service can be used for a crime that does not require immediate police action, giving theft as an example. Its page directs emergencies to call 999 or SMS 70999 (SPF, Lodge Police Report).

SPF's separate e-service for adding details to a lost-or-stolen-property report is limited to cameras, laptops/notebook computers, mobile devices with an IMEI number, portable media players and watches. Motor vehicles are not among the listed item types (SPF, Submit Details of Lost or Stolen Property within 7 days After Lodging of Report).

Coverage debt

The cited SPF guidance does not compare the effectiveness of security devices or set out insurer-notification and post-recovery procedures. The police-report e-service page gives general theft-reporting guidance but does not list a vehicle-specific evidence checklist.

Sources