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Singapore is so safe that the government frequently takes to advertising to warn that «low crime doesn’t mean no crime.»

By Leslie Schaffer, Publisher of «Shenton Wire»

The relatively small amount of crime leads to situations that would be unthinkable in most of the world: Reserving, or as it’s called locally, «choping,» tables at food courts by leaving smartphones unattended on the table or shopkeepers «locking up» by running a rope across the open entrance to their stores. But with a rush of international news media into the city-state, security issues are cropping up.

Singapore’s police said in a Facebook post on Friday that two South Korean men, who were representing the Korean Broadcasting System News (KBS), were arrested in relation to a reported case of criminal trespass into the residence of the Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the official name for North Korea. KBS didn’t immediately return Shenton Wire’s requests for comment, which were sent via Facebook and email.

Far-reaching Consequences

Singapore’s police appear to be taking a stern tone over these incidents. «The Police would like to remind all foreigners visiting Singapore to abide by our laws. Those who break the law will be dealt with firmly, and this may include termination of visas and repatriation,» it said in the Facebook post. «Members of the media who commit any offence in Singapore will also not be accredited and thus will not be able to cover the Summit.»

Some attitudes toward security might have far-reaching consequences. This reporter attended a media event held last week by an investment bank at the Capella Hotel, on Singapore’s Sentosa Island, where it was noted that the Caucasians in attendance passed easily through hotel security without being stopped, while others had their passes inspected. A photographer whose pass had the wrong date was prevented from entering. When contacted, the hotel indicated that security was a priority.

Daily Commitment

«At Capella Singapore, the safety and security of guests as well as our colleagues is our top priority. This is our daily commitment across all departments. Guests of Capella Singapore are assured that their privacy, safety and security remain a key priority at all times,» Fernando Gibaja, general manager of Capella Singapore, said via email.

The incident did not involve Singapore police or security forces; the police and the Ministry of Home Affairs did not return an emailed request for comment. But the incident with the media event occurred a day after a «Washington Post» reporter, John Hudson, said on Twitter that he had entered the hotel by going to the hotel bar, ordering a hibiscus iced tea, and appearing to be a tourist.

Stumbled Upon the U.S.-DPRK Team Leaders