Illustrative image (Photo: http://www.worldpronews.com/)Singapore (VNA) - The number ofarmed pirates reported in the Singapore Strait in the first half of the yearrose to 16 - the highest level in the last five years, and doubling compared tothat in the same period last year.
According to a half-yearly report announced by the information centre of the Regional Cooperation Agreement onCombating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) mechanism, theincrease in piracy and armed robberies was recorded across Asian waters in the period, with a total of 51 reportedincidents, compared to 28 in the same period of 2019.
ReCAAP's executive director Masafumi Kuroki said the spike incases was worrying, adding that “small crimes, if not addressed, can emboldencriminals to commit more serious acts”.
According to the report, popularitems to steal include scrap metal, engine parts, communication equipment fromthe ship's bridge and personal belongings from the crew.
ReCAAP has not been able to identify the cause of the increase in robberies inthis area. It said it is necessary to increase patrol boats for enhanced surveillance in the area.
The report wascollated from agencies in charge of this issue of 20 ReCAAP member countries,including Singapore, India, the Philippines, Japan, Australia and the US.
Recently,Singapore has made various efforts to respond to piracy, including restructuringthe maritime security task force. In January, the Singapore Navy also held ameeting of the Malacca Straits Patrol Joint Coordinating Committee with representatives of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand./.
VNA
