I think that Singapore should step up on CCT surveillance even during the economic downturn. There are a few reason why I said so.
Firstly, during the downturn, many people would have lost their jobs. When they lose their jobs, there would be no income for them. Some people would have enough money, and they would do anything, Such as robbing, stealing, etc, when they are desperate. To prevent or deter people from doing so, Singapore should install CCT surveillance.
Secondly, Singapore should step up on CCT surveillance because of the incident about Mas Selamat. This dangerous and wanted terrorist cunningly escaped the detention center. There was a massive manhunt for months. The police did not know where did Mas Selamat went to. They could only suspect the route he escape from. Mas Selamat could even use a rubber tyre to escape from Singapore into Malaysia. Then, Malaysia caught him. How could Singapore allow this terrorist and the incident to happen again. Mas Selamat is a terrorist and he would harm of kill anyone. Therefore, Singapore should step up CCT surveillance.
Thirdly, during the downturn, people might take chances on their luck by gambling. If they lose money, they would borrow from loan sharks. If the person do not have the money to pay for their debts, they would run away. Then loan sharks would go to the person's address on the IC to collect money. If the person is not in the house, loan sharks would vandalise the walls or lift near the debtor's house to embarrass them. Such cases of vandalizing occurs at HDB flats which do not have cameras installed in the lift or the lobby.
Lastly, Singapore do not need to install such high-tech CCT surveillance like US which camera could sense where the gunshot is fired as Singapore does not allow sales of guns in Singapore.
During the economic downturn, I think that the number of crimes would increase because many people are in need of money and they would do anything when they are desperate. Therefore, I think that Singapore should step up CCT Surveillance.
BY: Ethan Yeow