The Tan Xiang Chai Chee coffeeshop in Singapore experienced two separate burglaries within a 10-day period in June, resulting in the theft of over $900. According to owner Ben Yeo, the incidents occurred during the early hours of June 15 and June 25 at the industrial canteen location. Investigations into whether the two break-ins were committed by the same individual remain ongoing.
Details of the Coffeeshop Burglaries
The coffeeshop, which features a wet market theme, houses five stalls, including three managed by tenants and two operated by Ben Yeo and his partners. On June 15, a perpetrator gained entry through the back door of an adjacent beef noodle stall. According to Yeo, the suspect pried open a locked metal cabinet containing a safe belonging to a cai fan stall tenant, stealing more than $900.
During the second incident on June 25, the intruder reportedly disabled one of the CCTV cameras before targeting the same cabinet. While the perpetrator was unable to breach a new, more secure safe installed after the first break-in, Yeo noted that the individual appeared to search the area around one of his own stalls. Yeo confirmed that his personal stalls remained unaffected by the theft, as management practices prohibit keeping cash on-site overnight.
The Tan Xiang Chai Chee coffeeshop is a relatively new establishment, having opened its doors in April 2024.
Security Responses and Future Implications
In response to the June 15 burglary, management issued notices to all tenants advising them to remain vigilant. The coffeeshop is currently in the process of upgrading its security infrastructure, and the incidents have been reported to the police. Yeo stated that the safety of tenants and customers is a priority, encouraging the reporting of any suspicious activity to help maintain a secure environment.
The recurrence of these incidents highlights the logistical challenges faced by F&B operators in shared industrial spaces. When a business experiences a repeat security breach, the shift toward “cashless” management—as practiced by Yeo—often becomes a necessary operational standard to mitigate financial risk, even when physical security reinforcements, such as upgraded safes, are already in place.
What Happens Next for the Business?
As police investigations continue, the business may face increased scrutiny regarding its security protocols. If the perpetrator remains at large, the coffeeshop is likely to accelerate its planned security updates, which could include further camera coverage or structural hardening of entry points. Future operations at the site will likely depend on the effectiveness of these measures in deterring further unauthorized access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the burglar enter the coffeeshop?
According to CCTV footage, the perpetrator entered through the back door of a neighbouring beef noodle stall during both incidents.
Was money stolen during both burglaries?
No. While more than $900 was taken during the June 15 incident, the perpetrator was unable to open a new, more secured safe during the June 25 break-in.
Are there other locations operated by the owners?
Yes. In addition to the Chai Chee location, the partners operate Tan Xiang Playground at 5 Kallang Place and Tan Xiang Woodlands at 101 Woodlands Ave 12.
How can small business owners effectively balance the need for open access with the requirement for high-level security?