SINGAPORE - More crime alert signs will be popping up in the heartlands as the police continue to step up on crime prevention.

The Singapore Police Force's Bedok Division launched three crime prevention projects on Saturday (Dec 10).

These include LED crime alert signs for shops, electronic message boards at lift lobbies and lamp post crime alert signs.

Speaking to reporters at the Police Community Roadshow at Tampines Community Plaza, Commander of Bedok Police Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Tan Tin Wee said: "The Singapore Police Force is always looking out for new ways to reach out to the community. So the new initiatives we launched today - the crime advisory signages as well as the electronic message boards will help us to remind the public to keep up their vigilance against both terror and crime, especially during this festive season."

The LED alert signs, which display messages to raise crime awareness and deter would-be criminals, have been set up at eight locations in Bedok North since September.

It can display messages in various languages and the content can be changed instantly through a secured Wi-Fi connection.

Mr Raymond Tan, 53, who owns MCP Fairmart, said the eye-catching sign outside his Bedok outlet has solved a shoplifting problem he has had since April.

"There were a few groups of young people who would always come to my shop when it was crowded and steal things," said Mr Tan.

"But since the LED sign went up in front of my shop, they stopped coming. They know that we are working with the police.

"It's very effective. I hope they do the same for other businesses too."

For the first time, more than 30 crime alert posters have also gone up on lamp posts in Marine Parade since October.

By the end of this month (December), seven electronic boards will also be deployed at lift lobbies in Tampines Neighbourhood 2. These portable and lightweight boards can be programmed to display up to eight messages in various languages.

If feedback from these pilots are positive, the electronic signs and posters could also be rolled out to other areas in Singapore.

MP for Tampines GRC Cheng Li Hui, who also attended the roadshow, said the new crime alerts complement SGSecure - the nationwide drive against terror.

She said: "I'm happy to see that the Singapore Police Force is constantly leveraging on technology to reach out to our residents to combat crime fighting. LED screens like this will actually bring timely information to residents especially in times of crisis...and we are also working very hard on promoting SGSecure.

"So we hope that while the police take a step forward to leverage on technology, our residents can also work together with them to combat crime, especially when they see suspicious objects or persons."

The two-day event in Tampines is the fourth of five Police Community Roadshows in the heartlands to raise awareness on police work.

Attendees were treated to, among other things, an anti-scam skit by Temasek Polytechnic students, police defence tactics displays and a meet and greet with the police K-9 unit.

Many parents brought their children to take pictures with police vehicles, try on their various uniforms and even learn more about police weapons.

Part-time administrative assistant Neo Aidi, 32, was there with her two sons Miguel and Piaget Ong, aged four and three.

"We live in Kembangan but came here because Miguel likes police stuff. He tried on the riot police uniform and played with the guns."

Pasir Ris resident Muhammad Samir Mohd Ishak also brought his two-year-old daughter Sofia Ariana to the roadshow.

"You know how people always tell kids, 'If you're naughty I'll take you to the police'? I think children should learn that they shouldn't be afraid of police officers, and instead seek their help if needed," said Mr Samir, 28.

The last police roadshow this year will be held at Woodlands Civic Centre next weekend (Dec 17 and 18).